At first glance, the church interior appeared paradoxically humble yet extravagant. While the exterior was simple wood and stone, much care went into the interior decorations. Eight stone pillars chiseled with sculptures of the eight Amedori lined the exterior, supporting an unseen second floor. Stained-glass windows depicted the long-ago past. Each story had an angelic being who was either in the throes of battle or blessed those long dead. A walkway cut through the middle of the room with an engraved red carpet. A display of wealth that felt unbecoming for a place of worship.

  Yet, in contrast to this, laid simple wooden pews lining each side of the walkway. Their gleam in the light showed a dedication to the church’s cleanliness rather than any sign of expensive craftsmanship. The end of the room rose, like a stage in a theater. A place for the priests and priestesses to conduct their sermons. But in this important spot, there lay no banners or decorations of wealth. Just a simple altar to stand behind. Though, it was more fit to be called a large stone slab than anything else.

  Several religious scriptures, candles, and a small statue rested on the slab. The statue displayed the symbol representing all churches under The Holy Dominion. Two gentle hands cupped towards the sky, holding a teardrop fallen from the heavens. Finally, no banners or paintings hung on the back walls. Just a wooden display holding numbered cards. Something to tell worshipers what pages of scripture to read along to. For such extravagance displayed on the periphery of the church, the simplicity of the areas where the priests conducted sermons surprised Saiya.

  To most, this church would be a place of comfort. Somewhere the lowly peasant could be heard by the highest beings in existence. A community where one could talk with others about something they all shared. A holy ground where worshipers and sinners alike were welcome. From the greatest king to the lowliest beggar and holiest of priests to the most blasphemous of profligates.

  Despite that, this was the last place Saiya wanted to be. Someone like her didn’t belong in the house of the Amedori. Since stepping inside, memories of the past flitted beneath the surface. Of silent judgement and condemnation. It was like a heavy blanket had draped over her, threatening to crush her beneath its grasp. Saiya felt a sense of disdain at darkening this place’s doorstep.

  She watched as the others made their way down the aisle. Saiya followed a few feet behind. It came as no surprise that Kaztos examined the church with open awe. He always spoke fondly of the church back in Urada. Saiya could never understand why, when it was the Amedori that cast his family down. That punished Zeltara for her heritage. That abandoned her in a time of need. Kaztos and everyone else may look upon the lords above with reverence, but she knew better. Some people were forsaken by the grace of the Amedori’s light.

  At least Zeltara seemed unaffected by it all. Saiya wouldn’t be surprised if she’d never stepped into a church before. While most wondered about the almighty beings that influence their lives, she seemed to ignore it and focus on more worldly pursuits. Ironic, since Zeltara may be the one most affected by their indifference to the world.

  “This is quite a lovely church you have here. How hard has it been to maintain, Miss...” Zeltara asked before trailing off.

  “Oh, right. I didn’t introduce myself. My apologies.” Despite her words, the priestess’ tone showed that she didn’t care about the breach of decorum. “My name is Mileas Jaroe, apprentice priestess of the Orrangi Church. Or perhaps head priestess now, considering the circumstances.” Saiya held on to that detail. It seemed important, despite the priestess’ attempts to brush past it.

  “So, you are of noble blood then,” Kaztos said. Mileas glanced over at him and nodded.

  “Yes, I’m from a noble family in Mousafont. While most would go into positions of leadership in the city, I was ‘chosen’ to take a humbler calling.” Kaztos smiled.

  “I’m happy to see that a noble is following such a virtuous path. I’m sure that you do your family proud.”

  Disgust flickered across Mileas’ face. “It comes with being the third born. Having a family member in the church looks good for any noble family. Nevermind they don’t speak with me anymore as not to be seen with someone below their station.” The four pause before the altar as they take in the priestess’ venomous words.

  “Oh... I’m sorry to hear that,” Kaztos said. He seemed lost in the minefield that he found himself in. That nobles engaged in such practices surprised Saiya. Perhaps being a high born wasn’t all it was cracked p to be. Mileas sighed at the tense atmosphere she had created.

  “It’s fine. Not like anything can be done.” She looked over at Zeltara. “Come along. The last thing I want is for you to drip blood everywhere.” Zeltara stood there looking like a murder victim. Despite the closed wound, blood still covered half her face and the top of her tunic. It would have worried Saiya more if she hadn’t known how even minor head wounds tended to bleed.

  Zeltara grinned, revealing red-stained teeth. “I would appreciate a place where I can clean up. Do you have a spare tunic by any chance?” Mileas nodded.

  “That can be arranged. Now, follow me.” The priestess guided them through a side door at the back of the church. Inside led to a modest living area. They entered a combined dining and kitchen space. Through another open door, Saiya could see the sleeping quarters. The space was cramped, with bunk beds and chests inside. Perhaps she should give more credit to the church. They didn’t seem to hoard wealth for the benefit of those tending its halls.

  Mileas powered for mana lights hanging on the walls. She then gestured to the bedroom. “Follow me, elf. I’ll help get you sorted out. You two sit down and wait.” Zeltara followed their host into the bedroom and shut the door behind them. Saiya and Kaztos sat at a dining table with six chairs. She noted that there didn’t seem to be anyone else around. Mileas only mentioned being an apprentice, so there should be at least one other priest or priestess here. What could have happened? The priestess’ words hinted at something unpleasant.

  Two minutes later, Zeltara and Mileas returned. Zeltara had a fresh tunic on and all the blood cleaned from her face. Besides the faint stains dotting the edge of her cloak, there was no evidence of what had happened.

  As she took a seat, Zeltara said, “Thanks again. I feel good as new. Though how did you heal my cut? It looked to be some kind of spell casting.”

  Mileas walked to the kitchen counter and began rummaging for food. “It is a gift given by the Amedori for swearing yourself into their service. It’s one of the few perks that make this job almost worth it.” Saiya couldn’t hide the smirk at the uncomfortable look Kaztos now sported. Guess he never ran into a priest who hated their profession. The priestess then turned to them, balancing four plates of food. “My apologies for the lack of quality. We are encouraged to live simply. Eating is just one aspect of that.”

  “That’s perfectly fine! Thank you for the hospitality,” Kaztos said. Zeltara echoed his assurances.

  “Good to see that you're fine with it. I still miss the days of luxury dining, but never mind that.” Mileas started to hand each of them a plate of food. Saiya saw it was buttered bread with dried meat. Kaztos and Zeltara accepted theirs and set the plates down.

  However, as Mileas handed Saiya her plate, their hands brushed against each other. Both of them took a sharp gasp. Time almost seemed to stand still. Saiya felt a chill run down spine as something within her shifted. She felt a tugging sensation from where she was touching the priestess. A sense of wrongness permeated the air.

  Then the moment passed, and Saiya accepted her plate. She almost felt out of breath. A bead of sweat traveled down Mileas’ face. Both tried to brush off the strange sensation and continue normally. As the priestess sat down, Saiya hoped the encounter had gone unnoticed. Though, based on the worried looks from her friends, it was a failed endeavor.

  “What was that?” Zeltara asked, eyes shifting between the two of them. Mileas sighed. Saiya could feel a creeping dread building. She knew where this conversation was likely to head. It was something she would have preferred to avoid, but it now seemed imminent.

  Mileas said, “When our hands made contact, I felt something. There’s something wrong with your friend over there.” Zeltara’s gaze hardened.

  “There’s nothing wrong with her.” Before she could continue, Saiya raised her hand. There wouldn’t be anyway to get out of this conversation, so best help direct it to where she wanted.

  “No, she is right. There is something wrong with me.” Saiya sighed, suddenly feeling tired. “I had hoped to keep this hidden, but there’s no helping it now.” The three were now looking at her with open curiosity and apprehension. Saiya noted that this was her last chance to change her mind. However, even while thinking this, Saiya knew it wasn’t a viable option. Mileas seemed nice enough not to say anything yet, but what if they ran into another priest? One who would use this information maliciously? No, now was the time to tell them. At least some of it. Saiya trusted them that much, at least.

  With memories of the past running through her thoughts, Saiya said, “I’m an omen.”

  Mileas grimaced. “I thought that was the case. I’m sorry.” Kaztos and Zeltara looked between the two, worried.

  “I’ve heard Saiya called that before in Urada, but I don’t know what it means. I haven’t looked into it at her request,” Zeltara said. She glanced over at Saiya. “But I’m not sure I can wait anymore. It sounds serious, and we need to know about it.”

  Kaztos said, “It is serious. I’ve heard the term spoken around before. I don’t know what it means exactly, but from what I’ve heard, it’s bad.”

  Mileas glanced over at Saiya. “I can explain it if you want.” Unable to find her voice, Saiya can only nod. The priestess returned the gesture and faced the other two. “Omens are those whose souls have been tainted by a Demadori.”

  The utterance of the name caused the room the freeze. Kaztos seemed shocked while Zeltara looked away in thought. Saiya heard only her own breath in the silent room. The room felt so cold that it almost surprised her that she couldn’t see her own breath.

  “You mean the dark counterparts of the Amedori? The rulers of hell?” Kaztos asked. Mileas nodded.

  “Indeed. Omens are the Demadori’s stain on the world. When one’s power enters the soul of a person, it leaves a definitive mark behind. One that we in service of the church can detect.” Saiya shifted in her seat as Kaztos glanced over at her. Zeltara turned her gaze to Mileas.

  “The most common method of becoming an omen is through sacrificial rituals. Cults around the world worship the Demadori in secret, and often pray for their dark lord’s power. They trade their souls for unnatural abilities. But that’s not the only way. It can be with any contact with a Demadori. A curse or attempted possession that the individual survives.” Mileas glanced over at Saiya. “I’m not sure what happened to you, but the stain is there.” The priestess’ gaze became almost sympathetic. “Purification by church members is possible, though difficult. The church tries to treat omens the same as others, but if it gets out to the public, then they are often shunned by society.”

  A brief silence overtook the table as Zeltara and Kaztos absorbed the explanation. Saiya hoped that this didn’t ruin their opinion of her. She didn’t want to know what would happen if it did.

  “Are you able to purify Saiya?” Kaztos asked. Mileas shook her head.

  “Unfortunately not. I’m not far enough in my training. There isn’t anyone else here who could do it. Maybe one of the other city churches?” Kaztos nodded, then looked down at the table. He seemed deep in thought. Mileas turned to Saiya. “What I’m wondering is how you became an Omen? Most cases happen to adults. I feel that you’ve held the taint for some time. So, something must have happened to you. Something against your will.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Saiya shrank into her seat under the three’s stares. She would rather be anywhere but here. This conversation had been bringing back bad memories. Her voice stuttered as she said, “It happened the day my parents died.” It had been such a good day, too. Before it all came crashing down around her.

  Mileas looked impatient. “Well, what happened?” Saiya couldn’t form the words, no matter how much she tried. Zeltara glared at the priestess.

  “Enough! She doesn’t want to tell,” Zeltara said before looking back at her. “You don’t have to explain if you don’t want to.” Saiya could hug her for the support. For once, she wanted the physical comfort of someone else. Mileas looked ready to push, but under the combined pressure Zeltara and Kaztos’ glares exuded, she capitulated.

  “Fine, just know that if whatever caused it is still going on, then there will be problems.”

  “You don’t need to worry about that. There wasn’t anybody left who could continue after that day,” Saiya muttered to herself. Zeltara looked over at her, worried. Cursed elf hearing.

  Kaztos cleared his throat to grab everyone’s attention. “What I want to know is if there are any physical problems for Saiya due to this condition.”

  Mileas hummed in thought. “There can be, but they most likely would have been made apparent by now.” She turned her attention to Saiya. “Do you have any weird afflictions? Some strange ability that only you have? Perhaps some hallucinations or nightmares?” Saiya shook her head. Nothing noteworthy came to mind besides the nightmares. But after that night, it was only normal. She grimaced just thinking about it.

  Zeltara seemed to realize her growing discomfort. “Why don’t we change the subject? It’s apparent that she’s fine for now.”

  “Fine, I was just trying to help. She obviously didn’t go to anyone after the fact, seeing as she is still afflicted.” Despite just wanting this to be over, Saiya corrected the priestess.

  “The local priests saw me after the incident,” she said. “No one could do anything. Even the head priest failed to purify me. He said that the stain is too strong.” Mileas looked at her with shock.

  “Really? Then there isn’t anything anyone in the city could do. Strange, to have an affliction that strong and suffer no symptoms. I can’t imagine why that could be.” Saiya didn’t know either. The few weeks after the tragedy were a blur. Even now, she wasn’t able to recall everything.

  “I believe we decided to move on,” Kaztos said. “Again, thank you for the help, but now isn’t the time to dig any further.” For not the first time, Saiya wondered how she was lucky enough to have these two as friends. They so readily defended her against someone with authority. It was a connection Saiya sorely missed in her life.

  “I heard you the first time. I won’t pry anymore. Even though it may not seem so, I won’t be that rude to guests,” Mileas said with a frown. She seemed upset about how things went, but didn’t seem to be willing to press further. Typical of a noble, always expecting to have things go their way. If not for Kaztos, Saiya would believe that there weren’t any good nobles. Even then, he felt like an exception because of his circumstances.

  The four eat their dinners in silence. A tense atmosphere enveloped the group as a definitive line was drawn in the sand. Zeltara and Kaztos looked determined to make sure Mileas didn’t pry anymore into Saiya’s past. She felt equal parts relief and shame over it. Saiya trusted her friends, and part of her wanted to talk about it. But something inside her kept her from speaking. A fear of dredging up memories only her subconscious was aware of. Maybe someday that would change. For now, she would happily accept her friends’ steadfast support.

  Once finished, Mileas collected their plates and deposited them into the sink. As she did, Zeltara took a quick glance around with open curiosity.

  “You’ve mentioned it before, but are you the only priestess of this church? There hasn’t been a hint of anyone else.” Mileas minutely flinched at the question. She finished cleaning up and sat back down.

  “Yes, I’m the only priestess left at the church. The other priests were outside the walls during the calamity. There haven’t been any signs of them since. It has fallen to me to watch over the church and perform everyone’s duties.” There was deep weariness in her voice now.

  “That must have been difficult,” Kaztos said. “You’ve done an admirable job keeping the church maintained.” The priestess let out a laugh.

  “You have no idea. Maybe if I were fully trained, things would be almost manageable. But I’m only an apprentice. I don’t even know how to do half of the things I need to do. But now the people in the city expect me to do everything. I’ve just had to wing it so far.” Mileas’ voice shook as she continued to speak. They seemed to have unintentionally damaged an emotional wall that had long been straining under an immense weight.

  “Like what?” Zeltara inquired. She reached over and patted the priestess’ hand. Kaztos leaned forward to lend an open ear.

  Unexpectedly, Mileas sniffled for a moment. “I just can’t keep a handle on everything. It’s bad enough that everything’s gone to shit. But now I’m expected not only to maintain the church, but to conduct sermons and organize relief efforts. There’s just so much to do and not enough time to do it. And now, those damn Kolidato thugs tried to break into the church. As if they weren’t bad enough.”

  “So, this isn’t the first time they’ve bothered you?” Kaztos asked, expression solemn. Mileas nodded.

  “They’ve been a problem for a while now. You see, I organize relief efforts for the refugees in the city. Even in these times, people still donate money to the church. I try to buy any food I can find and donate it to the people in need.” Saiya wasn’t sure she had heard that correctly. From what admittedly little she knew of Mileas, she didn’t seem like the type.

  Zeltara voiced similar thoughts. “That’s very noble of you. You’ve said that you didn’t even want to be a priestess. Yet, it seems like you take it very seriously.”

  Kaztos gave her an indiscernible look. “Of course she would do that. She has the heart of proper nobility. We complete the task set before us. Even if we don’t like it. It is our duty.” Mileas nodded in agreement.

  “While I would prefer a different profession, I won’t dishonor my house like that. It is the job of the church to help the less fortunate and to organize relief during a crisis. I will adhere to these practices no matter what. Regardless of my personal feelings.” Saiya still felt a little confused over the explanation, but let the matter drop.

  “I just take your word for it.” Zeltara didn’t seem to understand either. Must be some noble idiosyncrasy then. “But let’s go back to the matter at hand.”

  Mileas sighed. “Fine. Well, I have these supplies carried out by hired workers. They get a cut in exchange for getting them to where they need to be. I’d go myself, but I’m too busy. However, starting a few weeks ago, the relief supplies have been getting intercepted. It quickly became apparent that it was an organized effort by the Kolidato gang.”

  “So, they’ve been causing problems for this long? Why haven’t the guards done anything?” Kaztos asked. Mileas shook her head.

  “They’ve made efforts, but there isn’t enough manpower to go around. There have been no efforts to hunt down the gang either. I was just told that, since the church wasn’t directly in danger, I needed to just live with it.” Mileas’ tone turned bitter. “Not like they’d help if there were enough men. They don’t want to help with something they see is helping those beneath the average Mousafont citizen.”

  Kaztos said, “That unfortunately seems to be a theme in this city. The upper class and nobility seem to have lost their way. It’s supposed to be our job to help those less fortunate.”

  “Exactly! Yet, my family is all too happy to sit in the upper district and party their lives away,” Mileas said. “It’s not the proper way to go about things. What will happen when food runs out for everyone in the lower district? They’ll have starving commoners breaking in to take everything they hold dear just to survive.”

  Zeltara said, “Sorry, but I can’t seem to hold in my curiosity anymore. You two keep talking about something to do with the nobility. What are you two talking about exactly? You make it seem like there are some rules to follow that we’re not aware of.” Saiya felt thankful that Zeltara had voiced the thought. She wanted to know herself. This information might be useful in the future.

  “I’m guessing they didn’t teach you this in school?” Kaztos asked. Zeltara shook her head while Saiya shrugged. “That makes sense, I suppose. We covered it in the academy, but that’s tailor-made for the wealthy of Urada.”

  Mileas said, “It’s also taught by family members, so I can see why you haven’t heard of it. The Fallentyric code isn’t any secret, but it’s also not brought up in everyday conversation.”

  “Fallentyric? Like the first dynasty of the Holy Dominion, the Fallentyrs?” Zeltara asked, leaning forward in her seat in anticipation.

  Kaztos nodded. “Indeed. It all began at the beginning of the Dominion. Lord Kilad Fallentyr, the first emperor, published a code of conduct called the Fallentyric Code. After the unification wars, he needed someway to unite the customs of all the new nobility under his rule.”

  “He wrote a set of laws and ideals the nobility of his new empire should live by,” Mileas added. “Emperor Kilad based it off how he saw the Amedori conduct themselves while on his campaigns.”

  “Just as the holy lords above protect us with a gentle hand, so too must the nobility of the land protect those beneath them,” Kaztos said. “There’s too much to go into right now, but I’ll give a generalization. A noble must emulate the Amedori and live righteous lives. We must use the power gifted to us to improve the world. I always saw it as inspiring. A virtuous way to live one’s life. I strive to uphold the ideals the first emperor left us. It is as the lords above wish of us.” The priestess snorted.

  “If only other nobles followed the code. Most just give it lip service at this point. They follow the ceremonies behind it but not the intent.” Kaztos frowned.

  “Yes, I have taken notice of that. Perhaps the nobility at large has lost its way.” It surprised Saiya to hear Kaztos say something like that. He always seemed so idealistic about the world at large.

  Mileas rolled her eyes. “More like most. I wouldn’t be surprised if fewer than a fourth of the noble class still take the code to heart. It’s like a rot that has almost completely overtaken the corpse.” Saiya grimaced at the description as recent memories flashed in her mind.

  “Maybe, but at least there are some of us that still follow the code. I’m glad to have met one tonight.” Kaztos grinned at the priestess sitting next to him. She looked away, cheeks rosy.

  “Sure, but it’s not like I worship it like you appear to. It was just a comfort when times had gotten bad. If nothing else, the code showed that I was still a noble at heart.” A brief silence overtook the table as the priestess recomposed herself. “This doesn’t change the fact that the Kolidato have intercepted the last three aid shipments. And now that they have attacked the church? I just don’t know what to do anymore.”

  The troubled look on Mileas made even Saiya uncomfortable. She looked to be at the end of her rope. If she really was the only one left to run the church, then these last few months must have been her own kind of hell. The priestess needed help. Saiya glanced over at Zeltara. It seemed like her friend thought the same.

  “You could allow us to help,” Zeltara said. “We can hunt down the Kolidato gang and stop the attacks on the church.” Mileas huffed in amusement.

  “Like you three could do that. You could barely handle that small group of them tonight. I recall having to stop you from gushing blood onto the floor.” Zeltara’s face pinched in annoyance.

  “We had a plan, but a certain somebody gave away our position. That won’t be a problem this time.” The priestess finally showed a touch of remorse.

  She coughed into her hand. “Right. Well, even if I wanted to hire you three, there’s a problem. The church doesn’t exactly have a lot of money to spare at the moment.”

  Zeltara grinned. “We aren’t interested in money. No, what we need is a recommendation.” Mileas looked at her, confused. “We need someone to vouch for us with the new expedition. There were some concerns raised about our competence. They wanted us to alleviate those worries somehow.”

  The priestess looked at the three of them, eyes widened. “I heard rumors that a new expedition was starting out. And you want to join it, even after what happened to the first one.” Kaztos enthusiastically smiled as Zeltara gave a simple nod. “You’re all insane.” Mileas took a moment to think. She took a slow breath in and exhaled through her nose. “Fine, I’ll help you out. But there must be something else you want.”

  Kaztos waved his hand before anyone else could respond. “There’s no need for that. Just the act of helping you is enough.” He ignored the groan Saiya tried to hide. She thought he got the lesson not to offer their money or time for free.

  Thankfully, Mileas said, “Sorry, but I must insist. It wouldn’t be right to take advantage of you three like that.” Saiya suddenly became slightly more thankful for the nobility’s code of conduct. “There must be something here that you want. Perhaps a medium of some kind. Or maybe two? Although most can only be used by priests, I’m sure that there are still a few collecting dust in storage.”

  The offer grabbed Saiya’s attention. A new medium would be fun to toy with. While the wand Zeltara gave her had been amazing at first, it had since shown its limitations. Something with more power and versatility would be amazing.

  Zeltara hummed in thought before answering. “If that’s the case, then it’s a generous start.” A quick glance over at Saiya was probably enough to reveal her poorly concealed excitement. “However, I have a question about something else.”

  “What is it?” The priestess asked.

  “Do you happen to have an unrefined mana stone?” Zeltara asked.

  Mileas seemed to think about it for a moment. “I’d have to check to know. We can talk about that later. For now, I think we have a deal.”

  “I suppose, but I feel bad. It almost seems too generous,” Kaztos said. Mileas shook her head.

  “Some would think so, but better for them to be used rather than gather dust. As it is, the mediums don’t hold a lot of value to me at the moment.” Zeltara raised her hand.

  “Then we have a deal.” Mileas reached out and shook Zeltara’s hand. Relief seemed to overtake the trio. They finally got the job they needed. “So, what are you three planning to do?” Saiya glanced over at Zeltara. She didn’t have any idea where to start beyond blindly searching, but it was likely her friend did.

  Zeltara leaned back in her chair and asked, “Do you have another shipment planned soon?” Mileas nodded.

  “Yes, I planned to send another out tomorrow. I hope it will make it to its destination, but after tonight, I doubt it.” Zeltara hummed in thought.

  “I have an idea. How difficult would it be to replace the supplies with dummy containers?” Saiya understood what Zeltara was getting at.

  “You’re planning to lay a trap of some kind?” She asked. Zeltara nodded.

  “So, we’ll wait for the shipment to be attacked, then step in and defend it?” Kaztos asked.

  Zeltara sighed. “Not exactly. If that were the case, then there wouldn’t be any need for fake supplies. No, I say we let Kolidato take the shipment, then follow them back to their base. Then we can figure out where to go from there.”

  “I see,” Mileas said. “Your plan is to attack their base of operations and wipe them out at the source.”

  “That’s the plan. But I doubt this will get rid of all of them. They seem more widespread than that. If nothing else, it’ll at least be a huge disruption to their operations. Enough of one to get them to back off from you for now,” Zeltara said. Mileas smiled at the thought. “Besides the fake shipment prepared, we need you to be ready to get some guards to help us. Once we find their base, we can signal you to come and bring help.”

  Mileas sighed. “Sorry, but that might not work. As I said, the city guard is overstretched. I won’t be able to get support if there’s going to be a fight. They won’t want to risk anyone. You’re going to have to deal with it yourselves.”

  The severity of the task then hit Saiya. She looked over at Zeltara and asked, “Are you sure we can handle this? It won’t be like any fight we’ve been in before.” Monsters and beasts were one thing, but people? They were intelligent, and the thought of maybe killing someone left even her hesitant.

  Zeltara remained upbeat. “What? We’ve taken care of people before.” Before she could continue, Kaztos interrupted her.

  “Yes, but this will be more serious than before. There’s a chance that someone will die during the fight. Even if we make it out to the other side unscathed, one or more of us could have blood on her hands.” Zeltara’s mood quickly sobered.

  “Oh, right. I get what you two mean.” She took a deep breath. “Nevertheless, we need to move forward. We should expect this during our adventuring careers. This just means that it might come sooner than expected.”

  The words did little to reinvigorate the table’s spirits. For not the first time, Saiya wondered how she got here from her insignificant life in the orphanage in just a few months. As little as she cared about most people, Saiya didn’t know if she had it in her to take a life. Even the life of a hardened criminal. Unfortunately, there was little choice but to confront this possibility if they wanted to move forward.

  “Well, I need to make some preparations if we want to move forward with the plan tomorrow,” Mileas said. “You’re welcome to stay here for the night if you wish.”

  Kaztos was the first to answer. “Thank you for the hospitality. How about we help you prepare? Then we can all get some rest earlier.” Saiya would have preferred to sleep instead, but Kaztos had taken the choice out of her hands.

  “Good idea. Your part of the plan is important. We’ll sacrifice some sleep so that you can stay awake tomorrow,“ Zeltara said. Saiya sighed. So much for going to bed.

  “Thank you,” Mileas said. “We have a wagon shed around back where I’ve been organizing shipments. We’ll have to work quickly if we want to sleep at a reasonable time.”

  “Let’s get going then,” Kaztos said, standing up. The other three were quick to follow his lead. Kaztos turned to lead them away before pausing. He turned back to them. “Uh, which way is it?”

  Zeltara laughed while Saiya fought to keep a smirk off her face. When will he ever learn? Mileas smiled and walked past Kaztos. “It’s just this way. Follow me.” She went through another door in the kitchen.

  Kaztos and Zeltara were quick to follow her. Saiya lagged behind, her thoughts heavy. The past conversation and what was coming tomorrow weighed on her. Talking about that day always put her in a depressed mood. But it was different this time, lighter. Kaztos and Zeltara didn’t shy away from it. Rather, they offered to help her. Logically, she knew that was the most likely outcome, but something had always held her back before. Not everything was out in the open, but it was a start. Still, this day left her drained. And now she had to work late into the night because of one of Zeltara’s schemes. No matter, it’s what she inadvertently signed up for. Strangely, a growing part of her wouldn’t have it any other way.