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  A Southern WinterAllie and Bert went to Lady Biyu's city residence. It was a much easier trip than going to the pace complex, even though they had to go from the north side of the city to the south circling the knoll. That meant slow and boring, rather than tough and exhausting. Also, even if they usually caught an oxcart up the hill, there was always the nagging worry they would be told they didn't belong.

  The noble quarter felt much the same, but muted. Even beggars were only escorted away when they made a nuisance of themselves. Most of the nobles seemed pleased to see the masses envying their residences or gazing at the murals depicting old victories most people couldn't remember anymore. Sometimes a guard did stop them, but their permit to the pace complex was good enough for the questions to end with where they were going. Not many people seemed to know Lady Biyu, but the guards certainly did.

  The residence was locked. She banged the gong, trying to get someone's attention, but no one answered. Not even guards. This wasn't supposed to be one of the days they attended the pace complex. Maybe there was some noble thing they didn't know about? They'd try again tomorrow.

  They came back the next day, but the household was still absent. After the third time, they decided to go to the pace complex. She could admit she was a little worried. They'd been nice enough, for perverts. They trudged their way to the east gate of the pace complex. Hopefully there would be a te delivery they could hitch a ride on.

  They weren't that lucky. So they climbed the hill themselves. After having done it so many times, it had gotten easier. Easier, but not easy. They stopped to rest twice. When they reached the gate, it was the shift change. A guard gave them each a biscuit and something to drink, while the rest ughed with amusement. The city guards really were nice fellows.

  When at st they reached the estate, they were greeted by Sir Leon. Her impression of him was that he was a cheerful, almost frivolous man. He smiled at them, but there was something off about his expression. Regret? Frustration?

  "Come along in, kids. I'll take you to Lady Chelsea. Something's happened, and… well, you'll hear it from her. If you two hang around, I'll practice with you when I get off guard shift, Bertie." He knew Bert hated the name, and that was why he enjoyed using it. Not maliciously, but like a big brother's teasing.

  He led them in, leaving the gate to the pace guards. Lady Chelsea was in the training yard, but she wasn't training. She wore warm quilted robes over a long tunic. Allie always thought she looked strange when she dressed like a woman. Like an actor filling a role they didn't fit. It always made her a little sad and angry when they did that, though understood why they did it. Sometimes you had a skinny girl py a young man, because the young men had all grown up. Or the fat man in a dress, because you needed a fat woman and she had another role.

  "Ah, you've come," Lady Chelsea said. She let out a sigh. "How to tell you this? Lady Anya is… missing."

  Allie felt a cold stone in her belly and a clenching her chest. Her teacher was gone? "What happened?"

  "She went to inform her Guild that she'd married. They decred her an Oath breaker. Apparently the god she'd sworn her Oaths to agreed." Her expression was grim. "We've been looking for her, but… At this point, I think it's safe to assume she's dead."

  Bert took a hold of her hand, and helped her to the veranda to sit. Her knees felt weak, like she could colpse at any moment. Her teacher was… gone? Probably… no, she could not use that word. It rang in her ears from Lady Chelsea saying it, but if she said it herself it would feel real. Inevitable. Tears filled her eyes. Her parents? Some of the orphan kids they got on with? Lady Isolde, who was always kind to them? Now Lady Anya? She clutched at Bert. Surely not him next. Her first, please. It was cruel, but rather than lose anyone else she cared about, she wished that pain on her brother first. She wasn't sure she'd be able to take it again. Ah, and she might… no, she wouldn't think it.

  Unable to stop, she started weeping. For herself, mostly, but also for the people she lost. Bert tried to calm her, and at some point Iris was hugging her. Her expression was bitter as she looked at Lady Chelsea, but it wasn't her fault. She'd just been honest with them.

  Iris took her to a room, and made sure she was comfortable and had water and food. Iris offered to stay with her, and she selfishly took it. Selfish, because Lady Biyu must need her comfort too. She had to hurt even more than her.

  While she never quite cried, Iris was sad too. She sniffled as she stroked Allie's hair. When her tears were done, Iris asked softly, "Do you want to talk about it? You don't have to, but sometimes it helps."

  Instead of answering, she asked, "Where's Bert?"

  "The Knights are working with him. I think he's the kind to grieve by doing something. Some people have it easy that way. They work, and they wallow in the pain while doing something useful. Makes us look weak, eh?" She gave her a smile.

  "You know my parents died?" Allie asked. Obviously she did, but that's the pce you started at.

  Iris considered for a moment, then leaned in and whispered, "Before that, can you keep a secret? It's an important one, so you can't tell anyone. Except Bert. That's it."

  Allie was confused, but she still nodded.

  "Before I died, I was Isolde Kurt Lonelyknoll."

  Allie was stunned. She didn't look like Lady Isolde at all. Not just the color of her eyes, hair, and cheeks, but her hips were too wide, her waist not quite as thin… then she remembered a prank Lady Isolde pyed on her. One time, she found herself with two moms. Lady Isolde had become her mother's twin. So that meant…

  "Big sis?" Allie asked, to be sure.

  "Not anymore. I'm sorry."

  If Lady Isolde, now Iris, was still alive, then maybe it was okay to hope Lady Anya would come back. Hope was an evil thing, lifting you up so when it was crushed you were crushed right along with it. But it could also keep you going when things were grim. She hugged Iris tightly, and just enjoyed the moment of reuniting with someone she thought she lost.

  Presented with a new puzzle, she had to ask to learn the answer. "Why?"

  So Iris expined, including the bits she wouldn't have understood just a year ago. It left her blushing a bit when she expined her retionship with Lady Biyu, but it made a sort of sense. She even envied her, just a little bit. Finding someone who indulged you sounded nice.

  "I guess I'm not getting taught anymore."

  "Lady Biyu will secure you a tutor."

  "… who?"

  "I don't know. She said it would take a little time, since she's… well, she misses Lady Anya more than you'd think."

  "Why wouldn't I think she'd miss her?" Allie asked.

  Iris looked at her in surprise. "You do know she wasn't that close to Lady Anya?"

  Allie still felt confused. She knew their marriage was about politics, not love, but… "Lady Anya married Lady Biyu because she trusted her? And Lady Biyu kinda… failed? I mean… she married her because she cared enough to help, right?"

  "Yes," Iris said. "I suppose you understand better than I thought."

  Allie shrugged a little. "She wants to help us, too, and it's just… oh, that's why you asked her to help us! Why… you should have said."

  Iris bit her lip. "Children aren't great at keeping secrets. And the more you tell—"

  "The less a secret it is. Is my tutor gonna be a secret, too?"

  "I think so? I'm not sure."

  "Does she trust me that much?"

  "Promises are important to Lady Biyu. She crushed a Healer Guild because they harmed Lady Anya."

  "… really?"

  "Yes. After she visited them, the Healers drove out their Guild Master and his thugs, and changed the god they worship. Now they worship Saint Benefaction." She made a gesture asking for the forgiveness of the gods. "Saint Eleanor, if you don't know her epithet."

  "Lady Biyu is scary," Allie said.

  "Isn't it nice she's backing you?"

  Biyu stood within her Hell, looking at the mage named Holden. He smiled at her tentatively, but something about the way he stood suggested he wanted to flee from her. Maybe because her eyes were bloodshot from tears? Or the anger she felt now that she had finished crying? She tried to smile. He flinched. She smoothed away her smile. He flinched again.

  Giving up on trying to calm him, she asked, "Can you teach magic?"

  Holden gave a tentative nod. "Well, I was apprenticed to a mage. He was a failed apprentice himself, so he only learned so much before his master gave up on'm. First circle, truth be told, but a sloppy first circle. He taught me some things, and I figured out a few things more… That's my talent, I guess you could say. I can look at a puzzle with a missing piece, and get the shape of it. Let me advance to the second circle, but talent only gets you so far."

  "You can teach ritual magic?" Biyu asked.

  "I can help. Show her a thing or two, but… maybe just filling in the foundations?" He shifted. "I can help a bunch, but… a primer'd be better. I can help her with those, yeah? I mean, I could also just learn with her. Two minds struggling to find the answers one of'm might not alone."

  Tapping her chin, Biyu weighed her options. "It will have to do."

  "You got the other guy, you know. Bastard he is, he could still teach her a lot more than I can."

  "No," was all Biyu would say to that. Holden cowered.

  "I cannot make a Human thrall yet. I am reluctant to do so. It feels like too much like necromancy."

  "I don't want to be a spider."

  "I was thinking a rat."

  He blinked. "A rat?" He frowned. "What about a raven? Or a crow? I always wanted to be able to fly." He gave a wavering smile.

  Lifting a brow, Biyu asked, "Do you think you've earned a boon?"

  "Hey, flying would make me more helpful! I could, you know, fly around and see things."

  Biyu's entire body went still as she looked at him. A task Sir Stuart had given her suddenly seemed solvable. A bird thrall would easily be able to follow the cart without suspicion.

  "I do not know how to make a bird," she said slowly. She would soon fix that, even if she had to ask her Master how. "How about a rat for now. If I am satisfied, I will give you a body that flies?"

  "A reward?" he asked. "That sounds good, Lady Biyu. I just can't do spider. They show up in my nightmares, so being one?" He shuddered. Then his eyes widened as he recalled the folly of tempting the gods out loud. Despite being dead and beyond the reach of Lord Nightmare, he said a prayer to be spared such horrific dreams.

  Allie looked at her new pet. It was a jet bck rat with sparkling blue eyes. It sat up to look at her, and gave a little bow.

  Lady Allie, I am Holden! it greeted her.

  "Hello Holden. Are you a familiar?"

  That gave the rat pause. Well, I guess I am?

  "Oh. It's nice to meet you, Holden. You'll be teaching me magic?"

  Um, no? I can help you learn, but I wasn't properly trained myself. So maybe I should say I got experience, but I'll be learning with you? But I got a talent that'll help you lots, I'm sure.

  Giving a nod, Allie pulled out the slender booklet that Lady Anya had given her. She opened it, and showed him a ritual. "Can you tell me what this does, without reading the text?"

  The rat used a tiny digit to trace it, his eyes flicking about. Makes the area in the circle brighten. There's something else… He tapped a symbol. I'm not sure what this one does, but it's the key to the whole thing.

  Allie looked at the symbol. "In this context—"

  I can figure out what it does in context. What is it?

  "That's peace."

  Oh. So this restrains and lights someone up. That's a weird ritual? He looked like he was about to say something, but stopped immediately. Interrogation? he guessed.

  "It's for restraining and examining unruly patients. Drunks, enemy soldiers, things like that." She was impressed. He figured it out pretty quickly.

  Can you perform it? he asked.

  Allie smiled. "Of course."

  Good! Can you set it up? I wanna try something.

  "Changing a ritual is a little…"

  He chittered, which she thought was ughter. Talent, remember? I'll show you something neat!

  It took half an hour to set it up. Then another half hour as she made the changes he directed her to. One of the symbols she had to draw she didn't know, but the others were normal things. The change in geometry was a little strange too. Then he stood in the center and activated the ritual on himself. Allie, startled, backed off in case something bad happened.

  It didn't. Instead, the rat lit up like he was a little mp, while his body went completely rigid.

  Neat, eh? Instead of lighting up the area, let the victim light up! My insides are glowing, too, so if you could see my heart, you wouldn't be able to, because it'd be too bright to look at! Which is bad, yeah, but I was just demonstrating.

  "You are good at this, aren't you?"

  He thought for a moment. I'm not good at coming up with stuff, but I'm good at fixing things. Like, I can't make a new ritual, but give me one, and I can tweak it in all sorts of ways. Make it better, too.

  "You're an optimizer?"

  … I don't know that word.

  "Do you know optimum?"

  So, like, I make things their best?

  "Usually it's only better."

  He wheezed, which she chose to see as him tutting her. Close enough. So, see? I maybe can't teach but I can be very helpful!

  "Well, it'll be nice to have you, Holden. Uh, what do I feed you?"

  I don't need to eat.

  "Really? Why not?"

  Uh, familiar reasons? he tried.

  For now, she would accept it, but that Lady Biyu could procure a familiar when most people thought they were just stories was something to question. Maybe he was just a very young Sacred Beast? After all, wasn't that was talking animals were?

  Christopher walked the hillock road to the pace complex's East gate. He'd stayed the night in an inn recommended by the Treasure Hunters, after using them to run a message to Defender Elderwoods to inform her he was in the city. This morning he'd received a summons to the temporary residence of Lady Chelsea, where Defender Elderwoods was currently staying. He swallowed thickly at the gate, where he presented the summons. "Christopher, to see Defender Elderwoods at Lady Chelsea's estate."

  The soldiers stared at him. "Business?" one asked.

  It was a rote question, so he answered. "I'm here to beg lenience from Defender Elderwoods."

  The soldiers gnced at each others, and something passed between them. "Follow the gent over there. He'll guide you. Don't get lost." They stepped aside, while a servant politely greeted him before leading further up the hill.

  They arrived at the pace complex, and Christopher took a brief rest so he wouldn't be out of breath when he met his sister. When he was ready, the servant conducted him to the gate and introduced him to the soldiers and Knights before taking his leave.

  "You're Lady Biyu's brother?" asked a man with an incredulous look on his face. "You look nothing like her. I'm Sir Richard."

  Christopher blinked. "You've seen her face?"

  The man smiled. "Sorta? You'll see. No need to be afraid to look at her." His smile faded. "Oh, and her household does not hold you and yours in high regard. They're also upset about something else right now. Sorry to tell you, but it's gonna be rough. Good luck!" He passed him off to another servant, who looked at him curiously before leading him in.

  They passed through to the north courtyard. It was a training yard, perfect for soldiers, and there was even a rge row house to use as barracks. That'd give the soldiers two to four to a room, which was still better than living together in a single hall.

  A tall woman with broad shoulders intercept him. "You're Christopher?" she asked. It hurt, to no longer be called Lord. He bowed to the woman.

  "I am Lady Chelsea Stoneshield. I'll take you to Lady Biyu." She gnced at the servant. "Bring him something to eat?"

  They crossed the courtyard. In a corner, a girl with brown hair was working on what looked like a ritual circle, while a woman barely older than her gave instructions. Well, he thought she was instructing the girl, but she seemed to be staring at a bck rat chittering at her. Were they arguing? The older girl threw up her hands and stalked away.

  Lady Chelsea was watching too. "The younger girl is Allie. The rat is, if you'll believe it, her familiar. The older one, who the rat was telling off, is an apprentice Healer from the Guild of the Fallen Sister. Your sister is looking to adopt Allie."

  "Don't call her that, not for him. They are no longer family," quarreled a short round woman with orange hair and golden eyes. She was exotic in way he was sure was not natural.

  "Of course. Christopher, this is Iris. Defender Elderwood's concubine."

  He stared at the woman again, this time too flummoxed not to. Remembering himself a little too te, he bowed to her. "Miss Iris, it's a pleasure to meet you."

  The woman looked him over, her eyes hard. "You look nothing like Lady Biyu. I can take him from here, Lady Chelsea."

  "Oh? I can't visit?"

  "I thought you were pnning to help train Bert today?"

  Lady Chelsea shook her head. "No. He's learning about watch duty with May. They're going up and down the hill all day. Should have seen the look on his face." She ughed.

  Christopher thought about his trip. He had been passed three times by a tall woman and an older boy, almost a man. "Is Miss May a tall woman with freckles, and reddish-brown hair?"

  They both looked at him, making it obvious he was intruding on their conversation. He bowed his apology.

  They turned and led him together, their argument forgotten as they entered the reception hall in the southern building of the north courtyard. Here sat a strange assortment of people.

  First he found his sister, whom he recognized only by her hair and height. Her clothing was formal enough for a meeting like this, but she wore trousers and a short tunic. Her face was bare, but he felt no sense of the allure that the servants spoke of. Defender Elderwoods face was pretty, but not that pretty. He wondered at that, for he knew the stories about her looks was no tall tale. She sat upon a stool, while the rest were seated on pillows. Her eyes were not on him, but looking at Lady Chelsea with a lifted brow. Lady Chelsea ignored the questioning look, and took a position of honor near Defender Elderwoods. Iris gave her a dirty look, but took the pce a wife usually would, just slightly further back. There was a woman pying a zither on the side of the room, but she stopped when her song finished. Another woman was kneeling, a tall woman with ludicrous ears that made him sick to look at. An Elf? Well, she had spent years with them, he supposed. He sat at the foot of the long table, where he belonged.

  "I am Biyu Kimmel Lostkes Elderwoods, Defender Elderwoods. We met briefly when I passed through Elderwoods. You were kind to me, and wished for me to be your sister. For that, I am grateful." She gave him a slight bow he returned.

  "You know, I envied you the love of your family. Your mother respected you. Your father loved you. I never had that." What could he say to that? He kept quiet. Iris put a hand on the woman's shoulder, and they smiled at each other. "Why are you here Christopher?"

  "To repent." That made her scowl.

  "Of course. You do not repent for the wrongs done to me, but because of your desire to avoid dire consequences."

  He did not dispute it, although he thought her only half right. A part of him wondered.

  Lady Chelsea, seeing that Defender Elderwoods had no intention of saying more, asked him, "What can you offer?"

  "I know Elderwoods well. I can advise you about managing the nds and its lords."

  "I have been there. I am unimpressed with how they were managed by the previous Defender," Defender Elderwoods said.

  He shifted uncomfortably. "He was accumuting funds to purchase a residence in Lost Lakes. That's expensive for the noble isnd, even for a small home. And… he wasn't satisfied with the idea of a small home."

  "Have you been to Lost Lakes?"

  Christopher nodded.

  "Have you a betrothed or fiancé?"

  "My parents had an engagement arranged, but I don't imagine it will continue now."

  "Friends?"

  "A few. I think some will stay friends, but politically I'm… problematic for a lot of them. A pariah for most, if I'm truthful."

  "I see. Iris?"

  The concubine looked at him penetratingly for a long moment. "Where were you educated?"

  "Lost Lakes, at the Order of Deep Waters."

  "Can you fight?"

  He gave a nod. "I'm no Knight or soldier, but I can fight."

  "Lady Biyu, may I have Chattel test him?" The long eared woman looked at them carefully, trying not to raise her head up too much. With Defender Elderwoods assent, Iris continued. "Fetch your broom, Chattel. You will spar with Christopher."

  Giving a bow, she went to fetch her broom. When she met them in the courtyard, she held a common broom. Christopher took a training spear of his own. They dressed in gambesons and faced each other in the training yard. Knights came to watch, and a few servants slowed in their tasks to sneak looks.

  Christopher fell after the first exchange, Chattel moving smoothly through spear forms to disarm and fell him, and with a final tap to the chest 'killed' him. She frowned at him, confused.

  "You're not much of a fighter," Iris said. "Chattel will be drilling you daily. May, Bert, and the Knights may train you if they like, but that's up to them. After drills, you'll be in Chattel's care."

  His heart sank. He was below a sve in this household? He'd accept it, even if he'd never like it. If it could keep his family from facing vengeance, he'd clean their privies.

  "I need something to do," he heard his sister say. Iris considered a moment, her lips pressed thin.

  Lady Chelsea distracted him from the conversation as she stepped before him. "Lady Biyu is upset because her wife is missing."

  "She has a wife and a concubine? Both women?" Then he frowned. "She's missing?"

  "Decred an Oath breaker for marrying Lady Biyu. Do you know what happened after that?"

  "That's unusual. Guild's rarely mettle in marriages, unless it's a Guild Master's daughter."

  "Right. Lady Biyu is a friend to Viscount Lonelyknoll. He revoked their writ in the city."

  His eyes widened. "Censure would be one thing, but that's rather extreme."

  "You think so? There are two other Guild chapters here. They lose little, and it was only the Guild of Salutary Fellowships' penchant for healing for donations that won them favor and a tax deduction.

  "Now their Grand Master and his cronies have been thrown out of the city, and the local branch has elected to schism rather than leave themselves. They disapproved of the treatment of Lady Anya. Of course, seeing as Lady Anya was contracted to me, I've asked my grandfather to censure the guild, and cancel any outstanding contracts. I imagine Shadow Gate will do the same, and many others will follow his lead. The Guild is likely through because of this. Your—" Iris gave a gre, even though she shouldn't have been able to overhear them from her own conversation. "Lady Biyu is a very capable woman. If you have not heard rumor of her, I recommend you go to the Treasure Hunters and buy it."

  Christopher swallowed. Defender Elderwoods was, apparently, twice the man his father was, if not more. He promised himself he'd serve humbly.

  Biyu stood at one end of the training yard, her bow lined up with a target she had constructed. Servants watched, a mixture of expressions on their faces. Many were open with their disapproval. The Knights had made their peace with it, though not a single one voiced approval. Allie and Bert weren't here today, but they had seen her practice before. They had stared in shock and wonder at the exotic weapon. That had swiftly grown into boredom before they wandered back to their own pursuits. That was fine with Biyu. She just wanted to practice with the bow Indu gifted her with. She was not sure if she was relieving her pain, or exacerbating it. It felt like both at once.

  Chattel was with her, watching idly as she practiced. She had no duties at present, and Biyu did not much care what she did when she was not assigned work.

  "That is a very poor bow," Chattel finally said. "All one piece, no recurve…"

  "It was a gift from my closest friend," Biyu replied. "Indu. A Kin. I got it in a swamp. This was the best they knew how to make."

  "You truly call one of them a close friend?" Chattel asked. She obviously doubted it.

  Biyu gave Chattel a summary of her life. The room. The tutors. The fact that the face she showed was the gmour of a living mask. "Indu was the first person who liked me for myself. It is true, she was desperate to have a friend. Even knowing that, I like her a lot." She paused. "Do you think it disgusting, what might be my first love was a Kin?"

  "Truly?"

  "I wanted to stay with her. It would not have worked. She had the tail of a snake, and if Elves disliked her, what would Humans do? She would have been safer with her mother. I had to leave." She fired another arrow. She gnced at Chattel, who looked at her as though finally seeing her.

  "Master, what do you want?"

  "Family, friends, accomplishments. I just want to live, like everyone else. It is what I want for you. Sometimes our choices are few. I grew up imprisoned. I would not wish that on my enemies… unless you callously kill people for petty reasons."

  Chattel nodded, and she was satisfied to see that the woman was thinking beyond her assumptions.

  The day was the coldest so far. It had been getting worse the st few days, and now the warming enchantments meant to keep the rooms a certain temperature were failing. The gems that powered them were discharging faster than they could accumute mana. It was proving to be an excellent day to stay wrapped up in bed. That was what Lady Biyu and Iris had chosen to do. There were no physical activities, Anya's missing presence damping their enthusiasm. Instead, they had been talking.

  "I don't like asking this, Biyu, but… if the worst has happened, and Anya is dead… do you intend to marry again?" asked Iris.

  Lady Biyu grimaced. "I did it for her, and for you." She looked Iris in the eyes. "Do you want me to? Have you someone in mind?"

  "It's politics, mostly. I suspect you'll be viewed as a powerful lord in years to come. There's also the issue of an heir… what if Allie never changes her mind?"

  Lady Biyu shook her head. "It would be a shame. If that is the case, then we will need to find someone. I would rather have Allie. She is clever and shrewd. I am sure she can learn to rule. And she will have you. You have the training to support her."

  Iris gave it some thought. She agreed Allie would be a good choice if one was to adopt an heir. She had most of a good education, and was a multidisciplinary student. Her current studies were progressing, with Holden rounding out what they were learning from the book Anya left her. Holden and Allie were a little frightening. Allie would come up with an idea, and create a ritual circle. Then Holden would fix it. When they were done, a new magic ritual would be the result. There were often minor side effects, but it did what it was supposed to.

  Iris wanted to take the children in. She was worried about them now that they visited them so rarely. They professed a dislike for climbing the hill, and with so many servants here they had little work to do. They had their lessons, but they became increasingly unwilling to accept them without work to do for compensation. Allie refused to be dependent on them. Right now they only came once a week. And it was mostly just Allie. Bert always looked glum when it was time to go. At this point, Iris thought it was stubbornness and not distrust that kept them away.

  Iris wished Lady Biyu would force them into the house. As a Defender, no one would stop her from forcefully adopting street orphans. Their only benefactors were her former self's parents, who had come to like Lady Biyu in an abstract way. They saw a shared belief in basic principles in her.

  Iris frowned, and pulled the bnkets from herself. It was getting colder in the room. If it was getting this cold in a room with heating magic…

  "Biyu, the children."

  Lady Biyu understood, feeling the chill herself and the worry on Iris's face. She slid from the bed and started to dress. "May is heading out to check on them now. She'll be—oh. We need the bath ready."

  Iris scrambled into her clothes so she could see to it.

  By the time May returned with the two children, the bath had been readied and partitioned. Clio helped to bathe Bert, while Iris took it upon herself to help warm up Allie. They gave the children a washing, too, but the primary worry was getting them warm. They were covered in heating stones, and that helped fight off the sharp cold. The stones were not enough. Fortunately, the rest was handled by Biyu's blessing. Their fingertips were in danger, so they sent for Healer Franklin.

  Once they were warmed and dress Biyu, Iris, May, the Elves, and Lady Vanessa all gred at the children. The children fidgeted under the uncomfortable gazes.

  Biyu was the one to speak. "I am disappointed in you." That was all she said, and the two children shrunk as their minders helped them drink warm beverages.

  "What were we supposed to do?" Allie asked.

  "Come here and admit you needed a pce to stay out of the cold," said Iris firmly. "Lady Biyu has offered you a pce to stay multiple times."

  "It wouldn't be right," Allie said.

  "I thought you had better judgment," Biyu said. Her face looked pained as she continued. "So, I have made a decision. Congratutions. You are now members of my household."

  "They shall be your wards?" asked Lady Vanessa. Some of her stiffness had bled out.

  "You can't do that," Allie said.

  "I can. You are children. You have no guardian to guarantee you. Iris would beat me up if I let you leave after this. Lady Vanessa, would you consider this a favor?"

  "I very much would. As would my husband."

  "You are not to be my sves or servants. No, Lady Vanessa, they will not be my wards. I will adopt them into my family. They will be my children."

  Allie and Bert stared at her, dumbfounded and a little intimidated.

  "You may compin all you like. I will not change my mind. You will be added to the register when the weather permits. Welcome to the Kimmel Elderwoods family. Now that you are family, what do you wish to do or accomplish? How may you help increase our family's grandeur?"

  Allie still stared, but Bert was excited.

  "I want to be a soldier." He gave them a nervous look. "Or, can I be a Knight? You said I could go to an Order."

  Biyu gave a firm nod. "Lady Chelsea is from an Order, as you know, and she might be willing to help you get in. There is also the Fming Axes and Ruthless Sundering. You are a little old for a page, but I think with what you have learned you can become a squire. I am sure May would be happy to train you in the sword if an Order does not take you."

  Bert gave a surreptitious gnce at Chattel. "Um, she could teach me too?"

  Biyu looked to Chattel. The expression on her face said 'please no'. "No. May will be enough."

  May even pouted at him. "I'm not good enough for you?" she asked.

  He fidgeted. It was obviously not skill that had him hoping Chattel would train him. Biyu sighed and left him to May. "And you, Allie?"

  She sat up. "Yes? Oh. I…"

  Biyu drew out a book and handed it to Allie.

  "What's… huh?" Allie opened the book, and then stared at the page. "How much?"

  "Two steel. Ingots, not coins. Take good care of it. Learn well. I will look for a master for you when you get a little further along. One question." Allie looked at Biyu, waiting. "Ritualist or Wizard?"

  Allie swallowed. "Wizard," she admitted.

  "Is Holden helpful?"

  "Yes!" she decred. She fidgeted. "He's more like an assistant. But he's a really good assistant."

  "Both of you, study what you have chosen. If you change your minds, let me know. I will take care of you, since you have proven you cannot care for yourselves."

  Allie looked suspicious, but both of the children bowed.

  "Oh. Iris. Take them shopping when you can. I want them to be the pride of our household."

  It was ter the same day. Iris was with Lady Biyu, the children situated and recovering. Allie had been pried from her book on rituals. Bert had accepted that he needed to rest instead of practice after nearly being frostbitten.

  "I failed, again." Iris turned to see Lady Biyu's face twisted in frustration. She could understand why. First Anya was gone, and most likely dead by now. If not by the curse, then by the cold. Now the children had nearly died. People she wanted to protect, and had failed to. She was more capable than her small frame suggested. It hadn't been enough.

  Despite the privileges of her rank, she had been unwilling to coerce the children, even for their own good. As for Anya, she hadn't loved the woman, and yet it pained her that she was gone. She was gone, and she bmed herself for not sending someone with her. It would have done nothing to prevent the Oath breaking, Iris was certain. There was nothing she could say, but she could hug her. So she did.

  "You wanted to respect their wishes. I don't bme you for that."

  "I should have taken the children in earlier. Even though they said no. I could have. The Viscount would allow it. He might even have given me a gift to help support them."

  Iris stroked Lady Biyu's head. "Why didn't you?" she asked.

  "I told you. My childhood in a single room."

  Iris tutted. "I understand, but… is it the same? They had few options on the street. Making trinkets or 'doing favors'. That was all they could do to make a little coin. Now they can do the things they want to. You aren't sticking them into a room. You are… hmm, I want to say giving them a house, but it doesn't work with the metaphor? Perhaps, 'they were wandering in the forest, blind, and you guided them onto a path they refused to see'?"

  Lady Biyu contempted. "That is not right."

  Iris nodded. "Then how about 'you took away their need and gave them opportunity'?"

  "I denied their choice to live a squalid life, to give them better choices?" Lady Biyu asked, trying to find the relevant meaning.

  Iris continued stroking Lady Biyu's hair. "You affirmed a life they should be living by denying them a life they were forced into by circumstance."

  Frowning, Lady Biyu looked at an Iris who was smiling at her fondly. "Someone took away their life, and put them into that position? Their parents… what happened?"

  Iris lost her smile. "You never asked about it before."

  "It felt like everyone was avoiding talking about it. I thought it… wise to avoid prying."

  "It's a painful topic. Did you know that Bertie and Allie's family had bought an honorary title? They were the Finecrafts. A non-hereditary title, but still prestigious. Quite expensive, too. They were a common sight in the Viscount's court. Viscount Lonelyknoll intended to request the Count grant them a title within the court, but they were killed before it happened. I think my—the Viscount and his wife bme themselves. That a rumor spread about them receiving a proper title, and their rivals decided to remove them."

  "I see," Lady Biyu said. She considered her concubine. "Tell me, beloved," Iris squirmed at endearment, "what is known, and what is suspected? All you know."

  Iris smiled. "Yes Master," she murmured, kissing Lady Biyu quickly.

  Isolde had grown up knowing Emory and his wife Eliza. They were longtime friends of all three of her parents, and done well enough for themselves that they had been able to buy an honorary title. They were Lord Emory Finecrafts and his wife Lady Eliza. She'd hear the derision of the barons who came to court deriding the 'fake nobles'. By contrast, the Lords of the Land showed the correct deference for their station. Then again, no petty noble would insult a Viscount by insulting his friends. Her Father also profited through his retionship with them. He had once told her the Finecrafts were the heart of his viscountcy's economy.

  Bert and Allie often visited the Lesser Pace with their parents. Being nearly ten years older than them, she didn't spend much time with them. Her Father had taken a liking to them, and would py with them when time allowed. They had even called him grandfather. As a reward for their work in enriching the viscountcy, and because they were friends, he had petitioned his brother for a noble title for them attached to nd holdings. There was nd in his region avaible from an extinguished family line with no credible inheritors. He'd even set about having it renamed to the one they had chosen for themselves.

  The Count was in residence in Lonely Knoll, so they were called to the Greater Pace to attend his court. It was for their investiture. They were wayid and sin. Allie and Bert had been left with minders, or they may have died as well. The murder was not neat and clean. The bodies, when found, looked like beasts with teeth like knives had savaged them. The bodies had to be cremated on site, already dead for too long when they were found.

  Father had wanted to take in the children. It was only his wife's cautious words that stayed him, as she pointed out whoever was audacious enough to sy his friends may seek out the children if he favored them. Without Lord Emory directing his company, it was rapidly dismantled by competitors and its officers forced from the city. There were rumors that members of the company had disappeared, but they were never substantiated.

  Derrick Noveljoys, who did not have an honorary title at the time, came out on top of the scramble for what was left of the Finecraft's markets. His company has a cutthroat reputation, and they used their dominance in the local market to subjugate or drive the other merchants from the city. The economy began to decline, as Derrick turned his attention to goods transported through the city intended richer markets. Almost all the trade goods were intended for Marble or Shadow Gate, with no consideration to any of the domains between. Yet, when someone attempted to open a shop within the city, they were promptly driven out, despite their interests being in the local market that Derrick was neglecting.

  Attempts were made to tie Derrick to illegal trade, crimes, or murders. As easy as it was to establish his motive, the evidence to tie him to the crimes he benefited from could never be found. During this time, Allie and Bert had left the orphanage and were living on the streets. Around this time was when orphanages began sending children to the manors as extra bor.

  The Kurt Lonelyknoll family had always felt like they'd failed their friends with regard to the children, but they were hesitant to risk drawing Lord Sebastian and Derrick's attention to the children.

  "The city still runs well. A lot of our needs are produced locally and brought to market by the peasants or Lords of the Land, but you see a much smaller variety of southern textiles or rare northern preserved foods than you used to. Bck tea is sold by 'Lord' Derrick himself to Lady Tabitha, most likely to pcate her."

  Lady Biyu nodded slowly. "Thank you, Iris. I will need to speak to Sir Stuart about this."

  There was a soft knock on the door before a servant called out, "Defender Elderwoods, Sir Stuart wishes to speak with you. He's requesting further help in some kind of investigation?"