Emanuel, the Viscount of Lonelyknoll, looked upon his city. He wished he could have evacuated it before the battle began, but doing so would have tipped off the demon. That couldn't be allowed. So instead, he had let his people die. Raised to rule, he had been taught that sometimes the best outcomes were awful. He'd hoped having to accept his daughter's death to prevent a swine from getting his trotters on her was the worst of it. Now his city was destroyed, and there was not enough in the coffers to repair it all. Rebuilding wasn't even the top priority. It was still winter, and many of the warehouses that held the food stores had been destroyed. Feeding people was going to be difficult. The Archduke and the Imperial government would help, but transporting goods through the winter was difficult.

  That was a worry for later. For now, the fortresses had been repurposed into temporary housing for the displaced. Most of the damage had been in the merchant and residential quarters, and the least in the Guild quarter. All the city had suffered, and very few buildings could be used with minor repair.

  One did not drop the sky onto their enemies without collateral damage. Reconstruction efforts so far had been limited to clearing and sorting rubble. The various Guilds were negotiating their help in good faith. They had to be paid, few of them were charities, but they could discount their fees for an emergency. It was still more than he and the city combined could afford. He was paying people to clear away rubble, and negotiating with various builder Guilds to begin reconstructing as much of the city as he could afford.

  The guards maintained order. For reasons he didn't entirely understand, Lady Biyu's Elf had gained the loyalty of some of the guard. The people called her by the epithet Broomknight. Only children laughed at it. Sir Jeremy treated her like an adjutant. He even brought her as his second to meetings. She was insightful, and offered a few pieces of good advice without being prompted.

  As if the devastated city wasn't enough, the gods remained in his city. The Holy Lances and Falling Skies set up camp in the northern fortress. They both had volunteers who were helping with the reconstruction effort. High Marshal of the Order of the Holy Lances, Victor Glaive, and the First Wizard of the College of Falling Skies, Benjamin Stella, both stated their intention to await the opportunity to meet with the currently comatose Lady Biyu. While he appreciated the help the Knights and Wizards were providing him, he did resent the fact that he also needed to feed them. It would eat into his city's reserves.

  Both of the gods were intrigued by a demon that revealed herself all so she could help kill another demon. They confided in him that Lady Biyu's aid in the fight had kept things from getting much worse than they could have been.

  That was after they interviewed him about what he knew about Lady Biyu. Together. Both had already interviewed him. Together. He felt old, after they were done with him. Too old for his position. Gods were just that kind of existence. People should never meet gods in person. Even though petty gods could, purportedly, play at still being Human, when they let their presence be felt it put a weight on you that threatened to break you. Usually, only the highest ranking members of an organization would meet their gods, or their Priests. People with power enough of their own, or a blessing, to protect them.

  Another worry for the future was the impending inquiry. The Ministry of Imperial Affairs should have already begun their investigation into the demon, Derrick Noveljoys, and related matters. More agents, and maybe a new magistrate, should be sent to the city to assist in the efforts and oversee the local branch of the Ministry to ensure there's no corruption.

  There would also be agents from his brother Count Lonelyknoll, if he didn't just come himself. And there would be representatives from Archduke Marble as well. No matter what the findings were, even if they were 'you did everything you were supposed to', he would be punished. A reprimand was the least that could happen to him, but the damage to the city was too great. Everyone would say there was no way he could have known there was a demon operating a brazen orphanage scheme, but in the next breath he would be told he had to take responsibility.

  Vanessa disrupted his melancholy musings, entering his office carrying a plate of bread, meats, cheeses, and wine. She took a seat after pouring a cup of wine for each of them. They ate in silence for a while, before Vanessa asked, "Do you worry it would have been better not to act?"

  "No," he said firmly. "I've looked into it. The children weren't the only victims. The families of the people Derrick killed disappeared too. We thought they left the city, and a few managed it, but most were taken. Some of the homeless too, though less than you'd think. Some of the servants from ruined merchant companies. Then there's Sebastian. The prick apparently sold his slaves to Derrick at a mark-up." He shook his head. "I cannot imagine how badly things could have gone, if Sir Stuart and Lady Biyu hadn't investigated."

  He clenched his fist. "Allie and Bertie were almost taken, too."

  Vanessa patted her husband's hand. "That's right. They almost killed the kids, and they did kill so many other people. I wanted to make sure you weren't overthinking things, dear. So, what comes next?"

  "An Inquiry from the Ministry of Imperial Affairs, Archduke Marble, and Count Lonelyknoll. I'll be taking responsibility and…" he looked at his wife sadly. "I'll abdicate. Have to. Hopefully Herbert can still be made a petty lord, with a manor somewhere quiet." He smiled tiredly. "Not the life we wished for him, but it could be a good life."

  "Lady Biyu and her family?"

  He shrugged. "Out of my hands for now. The gods seem to think well of her, so I don't think she'll be killed. The told me they saved her life. Everyone's instructed me to keep her in custody, although the wording was a variation on 'we request she remains your guest a while longer'. Lady Tabitha has Lady Biyu and her household in the Greater Palace for now."

  "So generous," Vanessa said dryly. "Clarice is still with the Stone Circle Knights. Fortunately, they took no losses. Lady Chelsea has made a demand to be given an audience with Lady Biyu. We declined her request, citing the fact that Lady Biyu's in no state to see visitors. I don't think she believes us. Even if Lady Biyu wasn't in a coma, I'm not let them meet until she's in much better shape. With Knights guarding her, of course."

  There was a lull in the conversation as they resumed eating.

  "I assume you drafted a Letter of Honor for Lady Biyu?" Vanessa asked.

  "I was going to, but I haven't had the time. Both for her, and Sir Stuart. I've asked Lady Tabitha to write one as well, but she was… reluctant… until she hears from her husband."

  "Do you think this is the outcome their Oracle was going for?"

  "I have enough worries without speculating on the motives of an Oracle. I will say, if it is, they have done us a favor. How is Iris and the kids? I haven't been able to check on them."

  "Iris is keeping busy. She found some soldiers to train Bertie now that May is gone. She even got a Wizard from Falling Stars to tutor Allie. That's costing Iris quite a bit, though." She shook her head. "Iris goes to see Lady Biyu, but she refuses to fret over her. Instead, helping to organize the rebuilding efforts. Took on some of the logistics tasks. I'm surprised your retainers haven't mentioned it."

  "They probably assumed I assigned her to it. Still, it's good to hear she's out doing something. I have reports, but how are people reacting to the Broomknight?"

  Vanessa snorted. "Some of our soldiers left the guard to become Chattel's disciples, or to serve Lady Biyu." She grimaced. "That woman needs a proper name. What kind of name is Chattel? In any case, there are soldiers who absolutely worship them after all those miracles. Chattel's running her own training. Guards, including Knights, and some of the Holy Lances Knights join in. You did know that?"

  Emanuel leaned back in his seat, taking another bite of bread and cheese. "Sir Jeremy reported it. So did Chattel, who's currently his lieutenant. I've heard rumors that a few of the Holy Lances want to become her disciple, but the Order won't stand for that." He paused, giving her a smirk. "What do you think about their name for Lady Biyu?"

  "The War Angel?" She snorted in an adorable, wholly unladylike manner. "I hope it won't stick. Imagine, our daughter married to someone with that kind of moniker?"

  He raised a warning finger.

  "Oh, relax. Who even cares, as long as we maintain appearances? Sebastian figured it out, and he was a fool. I'm sure the Archduke figured it out while reading the report of her death. He seems more than satisfied to go along with it."

  Emanuel prepared to argue, but slumped. "How are the people handling the devastation? I have my reports, but you've always had better sense of how the city was doing than me."

  "The children who didn't actually see anything, are excited to be part of a story. Adults are terrified that it'll happen again, even if they know it isn't likely. Some are angry we didn't prevent it, but most believe it just showed up. Those people are singing your praises for acting so swiftly to seek for help. I've also been telling people that it wasn't a demon, but a demon god. Who can blame you for a divine calamity?"

  "Have you talked to the Treasure Hunters?"

  "I was going to, but they told me that between the gods and the Imperial Ministry they're sealing this event until further notice. I don't think anyone who knows anything substantial is spreading rumors."

  He sighed. "So much work to do. But, I think I should call it a day. Ah, what is our son up to? I haven't heard from him in a while."

  "Herbert is taking a turn watching over Lady Biyu. One of the servant's shifts. I think he needed a bit of a break, but felt guilty when he wasn't doing anything useful. When will you tell him you'll be abdicating?"

  "The day before anyone important arrives. Otherwise, he'll start working too hard showing our family's diligence. Our foolish son will hope it'll us better treatment." He smiled affectionately. "I'll tell him in three days."

  Iris was often surprised by the Human capacity to adapt. When she first met Bridget Broomknight, formerly known as Chattel, she had found the woman a bit too spirited for a slave. At least she tried to act in accordance with her role. Now, the woman was training city Guards and Knights in the art of the spear. They took instruction from a slave—an Elf—with enthusiasm. Watching one of Bridget's more elaborate demonstrations, she was amazed a person could move like that. She had already received many offers to buy Bridget, all of which she had refused. Lady Vanessa's public dubbing of Bridget with her new name and epithet doubled both the number and amount of the offers. At least Lady Vanessa asked the slave if she liked the name before giving it to her.

  The children—?her children—were both hard at work with their training. They had each told her that they wanted to show May and Lady Biyu how hard they'd worked once she woke up from her coma. The Wizard Iris had paid to give Allie lessons had returned half his fee. He said it was because he was taking her as his temporary apprentice. Bert's tutor came from the guards who'd sworn themselves to Lady Biyu. A number of them were conversant in the blade, although they lacked May's proficiency.

  It was surprising when a full twenty soldiers swore themselves to Lady Biyu as the first of her Immortal Legion. They told her they expected Lady Biyu had at least twice that number among the dead. Putting aside the fact that two thirds of her soldiers were already dead, earning that much loyalty made her proud. Loyalty was a kind of power, and they needed more of it. Having the dead sworn to her was… worrying. That might be taken as the mark of a necromancer. She didn't remember the legal definition as outlined in the legal code.

  Iris also felt guilty stealing from her parents, especially after their city was ravaged by war. Viscount Lonelyknoll had waved her apologies off, and even looked amused as he pointed out that there was also the Broom Brigade. Iris had seen what the Elf had been able to do with a blessed broom, so she understood why soldiers had declared themselves her disciples. She felt the need to point out to the Viscount that while the name Broom Brigade was catchy, it was a stupid name.

  Currently, Iris was directing civilians, soldiers, and volunteer Knights to clear rubble from the next lot she'd scheduled to be rebuilt. The Guilds would use rubble as building materials, so you'd think that they could just rebuild the buildings without bothering to clear the rubble first. The Tradesmen had disabused her of that notion, pointing out that constructing a building required them to follow a series of steps. The rubble could be used, but first it had to be cleared, organized, and prepared before it could be used.

  Viscount Lonelyknoll had retainers who should be doing this job, but he had more work to do than people to oversee it. Some of his retainers were unaccounted for and presumed dead. That included the house steward who had cried at her memorial. A couple were among the cultists Lady Biyu executed at the outset of the fighting. There were also a those whose nerves were too frayed by the fall of the city and the appearance of demons to do their jobs. So she had stepped in, offering her on behalf of Lady Biyu and her family.

  Row houses were Iris's first priority. She made a point of having the new ones use newer, better designs. Merchants, wealthy commoners, and nobles moved into the new row houses. The commoners were being housed in empty warehouses and the fortresses outside the city for now.

  A messenger came sprinting up to her. Iris felt her heart leap up into her throat as the messenger, out of breath, heaved to refill his lungs. "Defender Elderwoods is awake."

  Iris felt a surge of relief that it wasn't bad news. Hands, she didn't see who, took the survey map from her and gave her a gentle shove to start her on her away.

  Iris entered Lady Biyu's room in the Greater Palace. Lady Biyu was sitting up in her bed, following the directions of Healer Franklin as he checked her out. He had her move her arms from side to side and up and down while asking if she was stiff, in pain, or suffering any other complaint. The Healer gave a slight bow as she entered, but kept his attention on his patient.

  Iris took in Lady Biyu's condition. Her face was badly scarred, her right hand was missing, and what she saw of her exposed skin was equally scarred and knotted. She had seen Lady Biyu after the fight, and she looked a lot better now. Before, Lady Biyu reminded her of the time she saw an oxcart roll over a young man who had fallen in the street. But, looking better was not the same as looking well. Full recovery was still far in her future.

  Lady Anya was there, dressed in cheap but comfortable clothes. She wore no makeup, and her hair was clipped short. There were imperfections on her skin, pockmarks and small scars, but she looked better than when she had first returned.

  Lady Anya gave her a strained smile she returned. They had talked while Lady Biyu was unconscious. She'd been worried Iris would suggest Lady Biyu should divorce her, since she lost everything that had made Iris support her. Iris was a little offended that she would be thought so shallow. Doubly so since those two factors were why she'd talked Lady Biyu into marrying her. Family was duty and obligation. Since they took Lady Anya in, she was a responsibility… and Iris was sympathetic. Her role in the family might change, but she was family. Besides, even if she wasn't a Healer anymore, the Guild had named her one of their Masters. That was a rare and prestigious honor all on its own. Worthless until the Guild of the Fallen Sister made a name for itself, she once Lady Biyu was done with the Guild of Salutary Fellowship they would be on the rise.

  Lady Anya was working as a ritualist, since she lost all of her techniques and her mana pool was crippled. Right now she was sitting on the bed beside her spouse, with a hand on her thigh. Iris felt a twinge of jealousy, but she suppressed it. That would not do anyone any good.

  Iris took a seat beside the bed. Beds were a rare, but useful for the sick. Raising the patient up made them easier for healers to work on. Beds were easier to set up a ritual underneath without worrying about the circle getting smudged.

  They both watched as the Healer continued Lady Biyu's examination. He checked her legs, ribs, and back. Lady Biyu was stripped to her underclothes. Finishing his examination, the Healer shook his head with wonder.

  "Lady Biyu, you're doing quite well for someone who should, by every metric, be dead. Mind, body, and soul you were torn asunder. The blessings of a god are a marvelous, if you're this well off so soon afterwards." He gave her a bow. "Lady Biyu, I am confining to your bed until further notice. You will be dosed with sleeping agents every six hours. You'll need a lot of rest if you hope to heal."

  Lady Biyu gave a return bow, and Healer Franklin excused himself to get them some privacy. She turned to Iris, whose stomach fell as saw Lady Biyu's milky eyes.

  "I missed you." Lady Biyu said. "Both of you." She sighed, reclining back against a pillow to make herself comfortable.

  Iris licked her lips, afraid to ask what she was about to. "Lady Biyu, your eyes…?"

  Lady Biyu smiled. "I am not blind. My eyes are a sign that I see more than I used to. I see souls now."

  Iris sighed with relief. Healers could heal blindness, but it was one of the injuries most likely to prove untreatable. The only wound more difficult was paralysis. Iris wasn't sure if her ability to see souls was a good thing or not. It was fitting after what she did during the war, but it could lead to trouble during the impending inquiry.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Putting aside future worries, Iris asked, "Is May with you?" At a nod, Iris continued, "Is she still connected to you?"

  Lady Biyu nodded again. "It is a blessing. I would like to check the blessings I gave each of you, but for now, I must rest. It would risk injury. What has happened in my absence?"

  "Before that, did you know that a lot of the soldiers dedicated the battle during the battle? So did a few of the Holy Lances' Knights. The gods marveled at the miracles you performed. I think even the gods dedicated the battle to you as their god of war, after they saw how you were stealing its souls."

  Lady Biyu grimaced. "By dedicating the war to me, they granted me the souls of those they slew. Because of that, I gained too many dead, too much power, so that I was overfilled and burst. That was why I nearly died."

  "An argument can be made that you did die for a little while… you did see Lord Judgment," Lady Anya said. "Then again, so did I. The change in your eyes might just be the first of the changes from being touched by Lord Judgment."

  "How are the children?" Lady Biyu asked, pointedly changing the subject.

  "Allie feels responsible. I told her it's not her vault, but she has trouble believing it. To occupy her, I hired a Wizard to teach her ritual magic. He was so impressed with her, he made her his temporary apprentice. Bert's doing well, too. He's been practicing with some of your soldiers, but he wants to train under auntie May as soon as possible," Iris reported.

  Lady Biyu surprised them by bursting out laughing, which turned into a sputter as she aggravated an injury. When it subsided, she told them, "May says she is 'sis', not 'auntie'. Make sure he knows that." Lady Biyu still wheezed, but her smile was genuine.

  Iris and Lady Anya ignored Biyu's show of pain, smiling along instead.

  "How are you?" Lady Biyu asked Iris.

  "I've been keeping busy. It's the easiest way not to spend all your time worrying about things you can't change." She fidgeted. "Can I kiss you, Master?"

  Lady Anya left the bed, making room for Iris. Lady Biyu's eyes followed Lady Anya anxiously. Iris noted it, keeping the frown off her face. That could be a problem she'd have to handle.

  Lady Biyu shook off her concern, turning her attention back to her. "You should not call me Master outside the bedroom, I think. It could be misconstrued."

  Iris gestured to the room. "Lady Anya is the only one here with us, and she knows the nature of our relationship."

  "One of your story things," Lady Anya said.

  Iris nodded. That was when a weight fell upon the room. It was a strange feeling, like the world grew heavy, the air thick, and her very existence guttering in an unseen breeze.

  Someone knocked on the door before it was opened. The gods had arrived.

  The god and Grand Marshall of the Order of Holy Lances introduced himself as Lord Victor Glaive. The god and First Wizard of the College of Falling Skies introduced himself as Wizard Benjamin Stella. They were a study of contrasts. Lord Victor was short and stocky, while Wizard Benjamin was tall and reed thin. Lord Victor had a mane of white hair and a well trimmed beard, but Wizard Benjamin was dark of eye with trimmed black hair and a smooth baby face. Lord Victor was loud and boisterous, but Wizard Benjamin was proud and introspective.

  Thus, it was Lord Victor who began the discussion. "I see you mending quite well, child! Actually, I would have thought you'd heal a bit better than this."

  Wizard Benjamin commented to Lord Victor, "She's young. Barely a god, even with what she's done. Surely a man as experienced as you can imagine what it's like to suddenly gain more power than you can handle?"

  Lord Victor snorted. "I know you didn't see her during the battle, but surely you heard about it. Putting herself together should be second nature!"

  Wizard Benjamin had a put upon expression. "Lord Victor, surely you realize construct flesh and regeneration are two very different things. Not to mention, her soul and mind are scarred. Just look at her. It's like expecting a one-armed man to clap."

  Lord Victor considered. "I suppose I was pretty strong before I could make a construct. Regeneration was second nature by then, and… yes. I have to concede. With injuries like those, it would be a miracle if she was hale and hearty already."

  "And we were told she has been Awakened for less than five years. A demon, yes, but… how many souls did you have before you started killing cultists?" Wizard Benjamin finally addressed Lady Biyu.

  Lady Biyu thought it through. "Perhaps thirty? Mostly Goblins, vengeful spirits, and bandits."

  "And yet you could do all that?" Lord Victor's voice was full of wonder and approval. "Well, being a demon is supposed to be easier, isn't it?"

  "They still need power and practice. You saw how poorly that demon performed," Wizard Benjamin said. Refusing to be distracted any further, he turned his attention back to them. Anya and Iris were waiting to be acknowledged from where they lowered themselves in obeisance. He waved for them to rise. "My apologies! We came to talk to you, and then we ignore such delightful ladies. There are things to discuss. Let's start with hard things first. We want you to join us. That is, I want you to join my College, and he wants you to join his Order."

  Biyu shook her head. "I cannot. I have a purpose, and an Order would restrict me too much."

  With a gleaming eye, Wizard Benjamin opened his mouth to speak. A flex of will that left the women weak kneed stopped him. Wizard Benjamin scowled at Lord Victor, who asked, "And what's that purpose?"

  "The elimination of people who are a malignancy upon the world. Seeing to the just retribution of the dead. Guiding the dead to redemption… though I do not know what that means." The world squirmed at her pronouncements, only the presence of other gods keeping her domain from expressing itself. Biyu wondered what her domain was like.

  "Oh-ho! See, Wizard Benjamin, I told you!" Lord Victor said.

  "Yes, yes. You did, Lord Victor. And what is a malignant person?"

  Biyu considered this for a moment. "People who are callous to all other people. Who do not see people, but things, and use and abuse them without a care."

  "Mm hmm. And Sebastian didn't fit that?" Lord Victor asked. It was obvious that Biyu was being probed, and that the gods would sense a disingenuous response.

  "No. He cared enough to play at being a noble. He followed the law in public, and his evils were debasing, but— He cared. In a disgusting way, but he cared."

  Wizard Benjamin frowned at that. "So, because he would have humiliated, debased, and ruined your—you know, I'm not quite sure what your relationship with Miss Iris is intended to be?"

  "Concubine," Iris replied.

  "I see. But because he would have gotten pleasure out of abusing Miss Iris, he was not deemed as malignant?"

  Biyu frowned hard. "The world… no, I guess it was not the world but the dead. I felt no call for his punishment the way I did for the Ogre Maker and the demon god." Deciding to be open with the gods, she told them, "I still have the Ogre Maker's soul. I do not seem to have the demon god's."

  "I have that," Lord Victor said. "I've been stripping it of its remaining Divinity. I won it at dice." Wizard Benjamin affected a put upon expression.

  "If it's alright for me to ask, how many souls do you have now?" Wizard Benjamin asked.

  "1,237 souls between those sworn to me and those Lord Judgment rejected."

  "So the Lord of Judgment really did hold court in your soul?" Wizard Benjamin asked with academic curiosity.

  Biyu shifted uncomfortably. "He did. It was very strange. When I was younger, I remember seeing an image of a cuttlefish in one of my books. I had a hard time understanding what it was and how it moved. I…" She trailed off, failing to find the right words. "It was beyond my experience."

  Lord Victor snorted at that. "Every soul encounters it but once, if at all. Arliss is not a god, you know. He's something that just is. A living piece of the cosmos itself."

  "How does that differ from a god?"

  "A god is a mortal who has come to encompass an aspect of the universe. Thus, he stands between Humans and the forces of nature. He may be petitioned to act in his domain, and grant favors for worship and devotion. In that way, I suppose Arliss is a bit of the opposite. A piece of the universe that manifested its own godlike being, perhaps?"

  "So then, the feeling I get, when someone should die… is that an offer of worship from those who wish to see the person punished?"

  That had the two gods considering her with interest. "That's how a god feels when they act within the conviction of their domain. Gods, though, are a bit malleable. You are young. Your domain may still change, and you may even be able to change it yourself. Demons are normally selfish, seeking power for themselves, and their domains reflect their selfish desires. Personal power, aggrandizement, the subjugation of others, or personal pleasure. Tell me, when you first felt the urging of your domain into action, what were your thoughts?" Wizard Benjamin asked.

  "I thought… what a waste, to have their lives simply ended in such a callous manner. Young or old, their stories and possibilities clipped short to produce such… failures. It made me think about how meaningless my life would have been, had my Master devoured me." Biyu took a moment to shift, relieving pressure on her hip. Her lips pressed into a line. "I thought of all the lost opportunities he took away. It was different from making a mistake, or even just having an accident. Those are things we all suffer. But he took away life's opportunities. The chance to make happy memories, or to say 'I'm sorry' for a wrong done."

  She gave them a sheepish look. "I have not experienced it, but I have read stories where those are dying regrets. I suppose I was angered by the loss of possibilities, of all the chances. I wanted to make him pay for all those pointless losses. My soul sang that it was the right thing to do."

  Wizard Benjamin nodded with understanding. "Are you satisfied with embodying retribution for the slain?"

  "No." Biyu shook her head. "It is too little. Too late. It may be all some may get, but… I want them to have the opportunity to complete unfinished business." Again, her domain rippled. This time there was an unveiling, and Biyu curled into herself as the wounds to her soul were aggravated. Around her flickered the shadowy images of people.

  When the resonance of her domain finished, Biyu sat up with help from her wife and concubine. "I do not know what my domain is in full. I believe I cannot accomplish it in an organization such as yours. Before that, I need to heal. To take care of my family. I think if I travel and see more, I will better understand my domain."

  "My interest is academic. While the Falling Skies is most interested in, well, the sky," he gave a quick bright smile, "we're curious academics at our core. We would like to… well, some people might find this to be a rude request, but we'd like to study you. An ethical demon is a rare thing, as I'm sure you're aware. In that vein, if you wish to travel, then someone from my College can travel with you." His smile turned just a touch devious.

  Biyu felt her eyes narrowing. "Allie."

  "Yes! Surely, you can see how this is a fair trade. We will train your…" he paused, looking for the word while exploring her face. "Ward?"

  "Daughter. We adopted her." Anya and Iris both nodded in agreement.

  "Ah! I see. Wizard Bob has taken a shine to her. I'm sure he would be just delighted to join you on your travels, and take your daughter as a full apprentice. A very advantageous trade for you."

  Iris spoke up while Biyu thought. "We need the ability to Awaken people."

  Wizard Benjamin's smile slid at that. "He would have to charge you for that. It's one of the unwritten rules, you know."

  Shaking her head, Anya said, "I can perform Awakenings, but… my aspect's changed." That drew all eyes. Wizard Benjamin's domain rippled, and for a moment he was mantled in the night's sky raining stars. She went on before anyone could interject. "What would it cost us to have him teach me the correct attunement for Awakening May's aspect?"

  "No, you don't get to just skip such a monumental statement. Your aspect changed? That's… no, it isn't unheard of. However, a change like that is usually planned. Tell me, how did it happen?"

  Shifting uneasily, Anya looked at each of the gods. She wilted under their collective interest until Biyu took her hand. Power, only a little, surged through her and shielded her from their interest. Taking a deep breath, she told them. "I was within Lady Biyu's domain. Arliss judged me. Lady Dreams spoke to me. Lady Biyu," her cheeks colored, "bathed and clothed me."

  The gods' interest only intensified.

  "You spoke to Arliss?" Lord Victor asked with awe. For a moment Anya looked flummoxed. Gods should not be awed by the doings of mortals.

  Anya shook her head. "He judged me. I heard my Litany of Vice and Virtue. I saw him seated in his throne, an empty one beside him, on a tall spire in the east." Both men sat back, their awe turning into satisfaction. "I could tell you what he looked like, but…"

  "An avatar. A guise for mortal minds," Biyu said, shuddering as she remembered the alien thing that trawled her soul. "He is not a person."

  "Ah, another thing I would like to learn more of. I didn't know the living could enter a demon's Hell like that." Wizard Benjamin shook his head. "See? These are the things we would like to learn." He considered Anya again. "Do you know what your aspect is?"

  Anya shook her head. "I have no idea."

  The Wizard's sly grin returned. "Well then, that would be a trade, wouldn't it? We could help you discover what your aspect is and what magics you can now do. I think teaching you Awakening might be a fair trade. Only… you know why that knowledge is a guarded secret of the Empire?"

  "Of course. I was taught Awakening when I was a member of a Healer's Guild. I was expected to Awaken my own apprentice." Her lips quirked up in a smile. "I helped create the ritual for mine."

  "Ah, I see. You were part of a Guild. That does change matters a bit." He frowned at her, his head tipping from side to side. "Yes, that's why you only asked for help with attunement. We do need to know your aspect first." He looked her over again, and his smile brightened. "I don't know what your aspect is either. I assure you, aspects are one subject I'm quite knowledgeable about. I even know the illegal ones, like the ones popular with necromancers. Yours… is similar to that, but not quite right."

  Anya frowned at that. "I'm not happy to hear that," she said slowly.

  Hearing that, Biyu said very slowly, "My aspect is poison."

  Both of the gods looked at her, and seeing she was being truthful, Wizard Benjamin was amused while Lord Victor was rueful.

  "Your aspect changed too," Wizard Benjamin said.

  "Maybe from Arliss's touch?" Lord Victor asked.

  "Maybe Arliss and Lady Dreams?"

  "Pardon me," Iris said. Everyone turned to her. "I understand that you two gods have many questions for Lady Biyu, but the rest of her household would like to see her. Perhaps you can continue this later?"

  The gods both gave her amused smiles in reply, even as she shivered under their joint attention. They stood and said their goodbyes while promising that the conversation was not over.

  Biyu relaxed after they left.

  Allie, Bert, Clio, Chattel, and Christopher were ushered into her room. Chattel wore a simple gambeson in the Viscount of Lonelyknoll's colors. Allie wore a simple long tonic with hose, while Bert wore a short tunic with trousers. Clio was dressed in a pretty well-fitted outfit. Christopher was wearing a commoner's outfit, his hands folded politely as he stood at the back.

  Allie nervously twisted her fingers together. Bert was just happy to see her. That only lasted until he saw the shape she was in. His expression became apprehensive. The others were somewhere between the two.

  "Lady Biyu, you look… well?" Bert squirmed as words failed him. "I mean, Lady Biyu, are you well?"

  Biyu gave him a smile. "I am. Thank you."

  "I'm sorry," Allie said. "I shouldn't have asked you to fight the demon." She looked at her hands. "I didn't think you'd end up like this. It was… it was so awful. It must have hurt." Then, in a whisper, she said, "I thought you died."

  "It is not your fault, Allie. I wanted to go. You gave me an excuse. I knew I had responsibilities to you. You let me… shirk them."

  "Huh?" Allie asked.

  "You, Bert, Clio, Chattel, May, Anya and Iris. You are my household. My responsibility. I cannot protect you if I die. Fighting should have meant my death." She looked Allie in the eyes. "The reason not to go was all of you. I am sorry I failed you. You should not feel responsible for my decision."

  Biyu glanced over at Iris. "Have you told her?"

  "No, Lady Biyu," Iris said.

  "I see. Allie, you are my heir."

  "Why?" Allie asked. "We aren't blood. What if you have a child?"

  "For practical reasons, Iris cannot take the role. Anya could be a steward, but as a wife her position is delicate. Murdering a spouse to take over the family and land is a historic problem, so spouses are excluded from inheritance. Bert…"

  "I don't want it. I'd rather just do what sis says."

  "There is no one else. As for children…"

  "I won't have any for obvious reasons," Anya said.

  "If Biyu wanted it, I would." Iris was calm as she said it. Her eyes slid over to Christopher, and her face turned into a scowl.

  "I cannot imagine bearing a child. Maybe I am barren. It does not matter. You are the current heir, Allie. If you do not want to be, we will find someone else." Allie squirmed as they all looked at her. "If you decide you will not do it, then we can make other plans."

  Allie shook her head. "No. If this is what you want, Lady Biyu, I'll do it." Her eyes glanced at the others. All of them were smiling at her. Allie's face turned to surprise, and then she said, "Oh, I almost forgot! Lady Biyu, I've been learning rituals from Wizard Bob." She blushed a little, glancing at Anya.

  Anya waved a hand. "Don't worry about it, dear. A Wizard's a better teacher than a ritualist. I might join your lessons, if he'll allow it."

  Allie looked a little surprised, but now was not the time. "I'm glad you're feeling better, Lady Biyu." Biyu smiled at her.

  "Chattel, step forward and introduce yourself," Iris commanded.

  Looking surprised, Chattel glanced at Iris with a puzzled expression. It took her a moment to understand. "Oh. Master, my name is Bridget Broomknight." Bridget gave Biyu a bow.

  Biyu lifted a brow. "You selected a name?"

  "I accepted a name Lady Vanessa offered me."

  "And you have an epithet. Very good." Her face fell a little. "Do I have an epithet too?"

  Iris scowled. "I have heard War Angel and Demon Eater bandied about."

  Biyu shuddered.

  "I am going to avoid any more conflicts like this for a while. I need to heal and build up my strength. Before I go hunting for anathema, I need to summon May. I would like more time to let Motley get used to alternate forms as well."

  Allie perked up. "Lady Biyu, can I have Holden back? I miss him."

  "I'm sure he misses you too. I have to heal first. It feels like I will injure myself if I try now."

  Allie nodded quickly.

  Bert asked, "How long before you can get May a body?"

  Biyu frowned. "Her old body? I think I have enough power now to give her a construct body."

  Iris asked the children, "Aren't the two of you forgetting something?"

  They glanced at her, then fidgeted. Bert hugged Biyu first and said, "I'm glad you made it."

  Allie was more reluctant, but she hugged just as tightly and said, "I'm glad you're well, Lady Biyu."

  Iris nodded. "Why don't you two go? Lady Biyu need to get her rest." Biyu leaned over and kissed Iris before she herded everyone except Bridget out of the room.

  "Are you going to ask to stay in Lonely Knoll?"

  Bridget shook her head. "No, Master. Instead… should I apologize? I have taken liberties, and you never disciplined me for them."

  "You have earned a moniker that people use with respect. People who are conventionally your superiors admire you. From what I heard, you are training warriors and hold an unofficial military rank. You bring my family many honors, and you have yet to disgrace us. What have I to find disagreeable?"

  "I'm an Elf, and I'm not acting like a slave. Like your slave."

  "You know, the first person I killed was an Elf."

  Bridget stiffened, her eyes lowered.

  "My Master wanted me to be blooded before I went out into the world. I executed him for a crime he committed. That was the only time I raised a hand against the Elves, despite how poorly they treated me."

  Bridget's posture relaxed a bit. "Still…"

  "Bridget, you will one day have a choice on what you want to do. I welcome you to stay. I recommend you leave… if you have a place to go to."

  "Why?"

  "We are not Elves. We have a different community, customs, traditions. My cultists will not despise you, but Humans will. A life among your own people, in your own community, is better than the life I can give you. You will be a slave with us. Among your own, you will be a revered leader."

  Bridget considered that. "Tell me the story of the life you would give me."

  "Is this an Elf custom?"

  "A marriage custom among some of the clans. One proposes to the other by telling them the life they want to make with them. It's supposed to be romantic."

  Closing her eyes, Biyu considered. "You would be the leader of the home guard. I would commission you a proper spear and broom. You would teach and train the troops with your broom, and the new recruits would be regaled with your noble origins as a slave fighting demons with such a mundane weapon. Your subordinates would respect you, and my cultists would love you despite themselves.

  "But, you never marry. I suspect it is because you feel you need my permission, or that it would compromise you in some way. I do not know if you have lovers, but I know you have no children of your own. You play with the village children, and perhaps sponsor a few orphans. You remain near me at all times when I am home, ready to lift your spear in my defense. When I am summoned out of the hold, you dedicate yourself to my steward and Iris.

  "When I return from my travels, and you salute me, I feel pity. You have your work and not much else. I ask if you have a hobby, and you tell me it is fishing. When I ask after your friends, and tell me it is your troops. I ask the troops, and they admit that there is a distance they cannot bridge.

  "You are surrounded by respect and adoration. And yet, you are alone." Biyu opened her eyes.

  Bridget shifted uncomfortably. "That was the life I had," she said softly. "I had family, but when I became captain of the scouts, they… I drifted away from them."

  "If you stay, I have a command for you." Bridget kneeled, head bowed, ready to receive her orders. "You will find someone, and you will marry. It need not be for love, but it will be someone you trust and can be open with. A best friend, at least."

  "Can't it just be a best friend?"

  "There has to be a commitment to someone else. A bond that all can acknowledge. If you have something other than marriage in mind, then so be it."

  Bridget frowned as she considered. "So, taking an apprentice would work?"

  "Have you someone in mind?"

  "No. I want to make sure I understand your intent, Master."

  Biyu nodded. "That would do. For now, return to your duties. Do us proud."

  The woman gave a hand to heart salute, and trooped from the room.