Deep within an ancient forest, north of the moor where the nomads lived, practising pastoralism, an evil witch had settled. The area's inhabitants feared that place, and for generations, they had handed down legends of curses, ferocious beasts, but also magical treasures and mysterious ruins. The witch reigned supreme over the forest and her bestial servants attacked anyone who dared enter. As if that wasn't enough, the beasts were constantly increasing in number, or so the Tega Urok believed, since throughout their history, poorly documented due to their predominantly oral tradition, monsters had ventured outside their usual territory on several occasions. The nomadic peoples had fought against the plague for generations and thus organised a tribal council, a group of representatives of the various families, to devise a solution to protect the pastures from that constant threat.

  The Tega Urok was established, a group of volunteers who dedicated their lives to hunting such beasts. Bugra was their most recent chief, but according to him, there had been many like him, all of whom had fallen in battle, in vain. No matter how many beasts the Tega Urok killed, more came from the forest. Nene felt a certain sympathy for the man. Despite his frightening appearance, despite all the horrible stories she had heard about his people, his mission was in a way quite similar to that of the Church and his determination seemed no less: he had not hesitated to risk his own life, handing himself over unarmed to Kumhar's guards, just to ask for an audience.

  Sonhir had had the unusual guest escorted back to the manor, to his office. On top of the soldiers, he had also requested the presence of Adanara but also Nene, who had been happy to follow them. Certainly, whatever the matter was, the Evil One was somehow involved.

  The mayor ordered the soldiers to wait outside the door. The guards protested his decision, so Sonhir agreed to let one in, a sturdy young man wearing chainmail, a steel helmet, a mace hanging from his belt. The soldier closed the door and stood in front of it, his eyes following every one of Bugra’s movements.

  ?Have a seat?, Sonhir invited them.

  Bugra sat in a chair that creaked under his weight. Nene and Adanara, both intimidated, did not dare stay near him.

  ?Ladies??, the mayor grumbled. ?Show some hospitality, if you will?, he reproached.

  Nene took a seat next to the giant but didn't dare look at him. Her behaviour was causing discomfort, but hoped Sonhir would forgive her since she couldn’t control her emotions, such was her fear of that giant. Adanara sat next to her, away from Bugra, still holding the bag of flowers he had given her.

  ?Thank you for listening to my story?, Bugra said.

  ?A truly bizarre story. Nene, what do you think??, the mayor asked.

  ?I think... I think it's clear it is the Evil One’s doing. The beasts he told us about are damned… I mean, Furies...?

  Bugra stared at Nene attentively and admiringly. His gaze made her feel tiny, so much so that her voice waned and her head sank between her shoulders.

  ?Are you a hunter as well??, the man asked.

  ?Er... kind of...?

  ?Where we come from, there is an entire Church that hunts down witches?, Adanara said bitterly.

  ?A Church??

  ?Yes, it's like... A cult? They are among the most powerful people in the Principality, and they give no quarters to whoever opposes them?

  ?In the Principality?, Nene interjected. ?We try to prevent the plague, with everyone's collaboration?

  ?How??, Bugra asked. ?How can it be prevented??

  Adanara and Nene exchanged glances. Their divergences, the ones they had temporarily put aside mostly for Nila's sake, were being brought to the surface once more. Their fragile relationship built on a slow and painful mutual understanding was being put to the test once again.

  ?They kill the damned?, the witch said. ?They kill them as soon as possible?

  Nene nodded reluctantly. Talking about the topic still caused her confusion, yet she had resigned, since she had decided to support Adanara, to admit that the Church did not know as much about the Evil One and its power as they claimed.

  ?Your people sacrifice themselves for the common good?, Bugra observed. ?May they be remembered forever?

  ?So??, the mayor said. ?Why are you here??

  Sonhir, while facing the Tega Urok's horde, had maintained a certain decorum and calmness, given the odds, demonstrating adaptability and good diplomatic skills. However, since things had calmed down, he went back to his gruff self.

  ?The only way we can get rid of the beasts is to destroy their nest. Destroy the witch. We need your help?, Bugra said, turning to Adanara.

  ?I'm not the witch-slayer, here?, she replied.

  ?They say the Holy Witch can heal beasts?, he insisted. ?Please grant us your magic! I brought more gifts!?

  The man lifted the bag from his belt and threw it on Sonhir's desk. With a sharp thud, the bag opened, revealing its bizarre contents: a selection of small, shiny, bright and luminescent yellow crystals.

  ?What’s this??, the mayor asked.

  ?These are magical rocks that the gods use to fuel their power?

  ?I beg your pardon??

  Nene picked up a crystal and looked at it closely. It was an intense, almost hypnotic colour, and it even felt pleasant to the touch, unlike sharp rock or cold metal. There didn't seem to be anything unusual about it, except for the very unique shade and weight, much lighter than she would have expected from a crystal of that size.

  ?Usually we offer them as a tribute to the gods, who in exchange allow us to inhabit our land?, Bugra explained. ?They are precious to them, they are the basis of their magic?

  ?Who are these “gods” you speak of??

  The man looked at Sonhir, perplexed. Adanara stood up and began to examine the crystals as well.

  ?You don't know the gods??, he asked, surprised.

  ?Religion doesn't exist here in Kumhar?, Nene explained. ?Also…?

  She thought for a second before speaking. She hoped that the Archangel would forgive her blasphemous words since she wasn’t trying to repudiate the truthfulness of the faith, but rather to educate the man.

  ?There is only one God, creator of the world and everything… ehm… so we believe in the Church?

  ?Our legends say that our ancestors fought a glorious war against the gods?, the nomad said. ?But the gods defeated them with their magic. Our warriors fell with but a glance. So an agreement was made: the gods would spare us, and in exchange, we would pay them a tribute. My people do not practise magic, it is forbidden, so we have no use for these rocks. But perhaps the Holy Witch does?

  Adanara paid no attention to them. Nene patted her on the shoulder, but she was enraptured by the crystals, fascinated to the point of not realising they were talking about her.

  ?Are you feeling okay??, Nene asked.

  ?I know what they are...?

  ?What are they??, Sonhir asked, suddenly excited. ?Are they worth a lot??

  ?I have to… I have to show them to Nila?

  ?You?, the mayor called, turning to the guard. ?Go find Nila, bring her here?

  ?Yes, sir?

  ?Can you tell us more about the “gods”??, Nene asked.

  Her intuition told her something was going on. It was unacceptable that someone was boasting the same title as God so lightly. Meeting with the Cloud Folk had taught her that people outside the Principality, being ignorant of the faith of the Archangel, had developed their own theories regarding some mysteries of creation. The spirits with which the Tuatha were in tune, although of a mysterious nature, were certainly not a manifestation of God like the Emissary was, therefore she feared that the gods worshipped by the nomads could be dangerous creatures, or worse, servants of the Evil One.

  ?They live in a big city in the south?, Bugra said. ?We are not allowed to cross their borders. Anyone who tries is struck by their magic and dies instantly. Outside of that, they are peaceful and friendly to us?

  ?What about the rocks? What do you know about their magic??

  ?The crystals are found in the mouth of a volcano to the north. In the past, the tribes fought among themselves to get them, to obtain the favour of the gods in exchange. Today, however, Queen Moiaka, who reigns over the volcano, claims all the stones for herself, and organises a great tournament where the champions of each tribe can compete, with the magic stones at stake?, he explained. ?I won those myself?, he added proudly, beating a fist on his chest.

  The office door opened. Nila rushed in and threw herself at Adanara, holding her thigh.

  ?Are you already here?!?, the witch asked, surprised.

  ?I was out there all along! They wouldn't let me in, but then...?

  Nila's excitement subsided when she saw Bugra nearby. Its size and appearance would have intimidated anyone. She stopped speaking, as if out of fear of provoking him, and regained her composure.

  ?Do you know what these are??, Sonhir asked, pointing to the crystals.

  ?Nila, look?, Adanara said, handing one of them to her. ?Do you remember??

  ?Yes… yes. We saw them in Dad's books?

  ?He says his… “gods” use them to do magic. Do you think what I think??

  Nila picked up the crystal, looked at it carefully, even smelled it, then looked at Bugra, perplexed.

  ?Magic, you say??

  ?That's right?, the man confirmed. His deep voice made Nila boggle. ?The gods ride while summoning flashes of light, and their enemies fall instantly?

  The two sisters whispered to each other. Nene tried to listen, but Sonhir called her attention.

  ?To recap: you want us to help you eliminate this witch who threatens your land. In exchange you offer us... these shiny stones??

  ?This is but a token of friendship?, Bugra replied. ?As I said, we are ready to give up anything for victory. This is what it means to be Tega Urok?

  ?Well… I'll pretend I understand. You two!?, Sonhir shouted. ?Would you mind enlightening us as well?!?

  ?So... our father said that a substance can be obtained from these stones, used in a mixture that produces powerful flames?

  Bugra jumped up, eyes wide, overturning the chair he was resting on. Nene imitated him instinctively, and so did the mayor. Hearing the commotion of chairs being yanked across the floor, the guards threw open the door and entered with their hands on their weapons.

  ?Calm down! Calm down!?, Sonhir said. ?My friend, what's gotten into you??

  ?Do you... your father... Does he know magic??

  ?Um… I-I don't know…?

  ?The magic you speak of is most likely just some advanced alchemy?, Adanara elaborated. ?Or at least, I think so. Our father's books were full of things that most would call "magic”?

  Bugra stood in front of the sisters. Nila clung to Adanara, terrified. Adanara stood still, pale and unable to react. Then, Bugra prostrated at their feet, leaving everyone speechless.

  ?Are you daughters of the gods??, he asked. ?Do you know their magic??

  ?D-dad wasn't a god?, Nila said in a faint voice. ?He was just a man…?

  ?What was his name??

  The sisters exchanged a look. Sonhir signalled the guards to leave, and they obeyed, closing the door behind them. Nene picked up the fallen chair and set it upright.

  ?...Eidelhan…?, Adanara replied.

  ?Your father bore one of the names of the gods!?, Bugra insisted. ?Please, help my people!?

  ?So… your father's people are their gods??, Nene concluded.

  ?M-maybe. We can't know for sure?

  ?What else do you know about them??, the witch asked.

  ?I only know how the legends go. I'm sorry?, Bugra admitted. ?Only the queen of the tribes is granted the privilege of meeting the gods. She is the leader of the united tribes and our priestess?

  Adanara sat down thoughtfully. Nila, with the crystal in her hand, approached the mayor, who stood at attention.

  ?What? What now??, he asked agitatedly.

  ?Do you have any water??

  ?I swear I followed your advice. No more alcohol. Also, it’s not the right time to...?

  ?No, I-I need some water. Do you have any on hand??

  ?You can have mine?, Bugra intervened, offering her a waterskin.

  Nila shyly accepted the offer. She sniffed the spout of it, then poured a little water onto the crystal. Its shiny surface did not change noticeably, yet a foul, putrid odour wafted through the room. The mayor grimaced and ran to open the window.

  ?What... What did you do?!?

  ?This is s-sulphur?, Nila explained. ?Our father said that it c-can be used to generate flames much hotter than regular fire. I had never seen it before?

  ?The flames of the gods!?, Bugra exclaimed. ?They burn hotter than the sun, dazzle the bravest of warriors, and pierce their enemies without warning?

  ?So it's a stone that can be burned, and it smells rotten if you soak it??, Sonhir grumbled.

  ?I believe... I-I believe much more can be done. But I should run some tests to be sure?

  ?So your queen knows these guys??, Adanara asked. ?They leave you be, and in exchange, they take your sulphur??

  ?Yes, that's right. Take them. Take the magic stones. They are rightfully yours, as daughters of the gods?

  ?No?, the witch replied.

  ?”No”?!?, the mayor yelled.

  ?If Nila wants the stones, then I accept them, but I want something else in return... I want you to take me to your queen?

  Bugra bowed his head and brought a fist to his chest. Given his size, he could have crushed Adanara with a single arm, yet he had an attitude of total reverence towards her. It was strange for Nene to feel an ever-increasing affinity with that bizarre, frightening man, who, albeit in his own way, seemed to share many of the principles of the Church and the Inquisition. Still, it was a witch he was kneeling in front of…

  ?It will be done?

  ?Ada??

  ?Their queen knows Dad's people?, she explained. ?Maybe we can find them?

  ?We are not allowed to cross the border of the land of the gods?, Bugra said. ?But they will recognise their kin?

  Nila looked at her sister in admiration. She left the crystal on the desk. Sonhir promptly picked it up and immediately regretted it, since it still gave off a foetid, rotten stench. Nene was overwhelmed by Nila who held her tightly. She returned the gesture, though unsure of the reason behind it.

  ?We're really going?, Nila sobbed. ?To Dad’s homeland?

  ?Yes?, she replied. ?We promised?

  ?Bugra?, Adanara announced, all fired up. ?We will free the witch and her minions who threaten your people. In exchange, your queen will grant us audience and tell us how to reach the land of the gods?

  ?Thank you, Holy Witch! I will always be at your service?

  ?Call me Adanara?, she reminded him. ?I don't want your services. Just bring us to the queen and we are good. Also…?, she looked at Nene. ?I could use a hand?, she added.

  ?Nene, help us?, Nila pleaded.

  ?If there’s a witch who has been under the influence of the Evil One for God knows how long, it will be dangerous. More dangerous than anything ever seen in the Principality?

  ?That's what we need you for?, the witch said. ?Are you scared??

  Nene smiled, and Adanara did the same. Their relationship was difficult to describe, but it had improved over time. Occasionally, they even managed to enjoy each other’s company.

  ?Bugra, how many beasts we are talking about??

  ?Hundreds. We will fight them without hesitation if this is the will of the Holy… of Adanara?

  ?If there are so many, we will never be able to save them all...?

  ?Should we… k-kill the damned??, Nila realised.

  Nene sighed. Once again she was faced with a situation that required the support of an entire regiment of Knights. Not only it was impossible to subject hundreds of people to Adanara’s ritual, it wasn’t even realistic to expect to purge them all with the Inquisition’s methods. According to what she had learned from the Emissary, silver did not possess any special characteristics, therefore the power of an Inquisitor resided solely in the gift received from the Archangel, which made her the only person in town capable of taking down a damned and saving their soul at the same time.

  ?I'm afraid there is no alternative...?

  ?We Tega Urok have been fighting beasts for generations!?, Bugra boasted. ?We don't fear those monsters at all! It will be an honour to lead you to the witch's hideout?

  ?And what does the city get out of it??, Sonhir protested. ?Sorry to spoil your enthusiasm, but you three are duty-bound here?

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  ?They asked me for help, not you?, Adanara replied, annoyed.

  ?Ada, calm down?, Nila intervened. ?We could… I-I'll research sulphur and share the results with you. Is it enough??

  ?Let me think… Honestly, I don't even know what you hope to achieve, my dear?

  ?The magic stones of the gods can destroy an entire tribe! Legend says that if combined with a moonstone, they give eternal youth?

  ?Really?!?

  ?I-I wouldn't count on that. But they will be useful. You have my word?

  ?Uff...?, the mayor grumbled. ?What an ass day… Fine! It better be worth it?

  ?Will you help us on the journey this time??, Adanara asked sarcastically.

  ?Forget it! You decided everything on your own, now make do!?

  ?Such a lovely mayor we have!?

  Adanara and Sonhir were about to come to blows when Nene jumped to her feet. Since the emergency was over, and having agreed to participate in a new expedition, she could let the sisters take care of the details, as Bugra had explicitly requested the help of the Holy Witch. Under normal conditions, she would have stayed to supervise the negotiations between a heretic and a mysterious nomad who had appeared out of nowhere, but something was pressing her more.

  ?I have to find out if Oto is okay?, she said, turning to Nila.

  ?Will they let you pass through the gates??

  ?You're technically one of the city guards?, Sonhir explained. ?No one will make a fuss. But be careful?

  ?I'm sorry?, she added. ?I'm so worried…?

  ?Go?, Nila replied. ?We'll take care of it here. I-I'm worried too. Don't do anything rash, okay??

  She nodded. Surely the Emissary had kept Oto safe, but she couldn’t calm down until she saw him with her own eyes. Without further ado, she left the mayor's office and ran through the street, as a bad feeling was consuming her, despite her rational side suggesting otherwise.

  The hill showed signs of the horde passing: trampled meadows and flowers, and hooves ruts. Silence still reigned outside the walls of Kumhar, as the farmers were being kept inside for their own safety. Nene, exhausted from the morning run and the overall anxiousness, dragged her feet up the slope. Her apprehension was over the roof, yet her body refused to move any faster. The rough terrain slowed her down more than usual and, although the horde had not caused any damage, the traces of their passage still conveyed a sense of danger and desolation.

  The Emissary's house, perfectly intact at the top of the hill, made her optimistic. When she reached the summit, she was able to observe the surroundings better and ascertain that the nomads had indeed left. There was no sign of that large group of horsemen in any direction. Kumhar was back to normal. She ran the last few metres, up to the entrance of the house, and knocked on the door.

  ?My Lady??

  She heard something coming from inside, the sound of footsteps. Whoever that was, they stopped as soon as they realised they were being noticed, as if they were trying to hide.

  ?It's me, Nene?

  She thought back to that morning, when she had similarly announced herself. The Emissary could always sense her proximity, as well as that of Adanara or other "unusual" souls, as she would have called them. The person beyond the door was not her angel, but someone else.

  ?Oto? Oto!?, she called.

  The door lock clicked. It opened slowly, and she was met by the tip of Kora's spear.

  ?Come in?, she ordered. ?Hurry!?

  She obeyed without saying anything. Kora's tone was extremely tense. Her being so on edge suggested that they were in danger.

  ?Are they gone??, the shaman asked. ?Those humans on horses?

  ?Yes?, she replied. ?Where is Oto? And the Emissary??

  Kora sighed deeply. She ran a hand over her unusual-looking face and dropped to the floor, sitting cross-legged.

  ?The boy and the spirit are in the cellar?, she said with relief.

  ?Thank God! Are they okay? And you??

  ?Yes?

  Holding back the urge to run to them, Nene stopped to assess the situation. Luckily Kora, as the Emissary's guest, had to know more about it.

  ?What happened??, she asked.

  ?This morning I accompanied Oto hunting?, Kora said, still looking lost. ?I was teaching him some tricks when we heard those humans coming, and we hid. A few hours later, the spirit found us and brought us back here?

  Nene looked at her, perplexed. She knew for a fact, and also from personal experience, that Jiriel was very hostile towards any threat, perceived or real, that came near her protected city. After bringing Oto to safety, she did not hand out divine punishment to the nomads. It was unexpected, to say the least, although the whole affair had ultimately turned out for the best.

  ?Have you been hiding here the whole time??

  ?We did. The boy and the spirit argued, and then hid downstairs. So I stood guard. I…?, she hesitated, still scared. ?I saw all those humans ride around the house?

  Kora's gaze went blank. Nene put a hand on her shoulder. She still had mixed feelings about that woman, but if there was anything she had learned from her relationship with Adanara, was that everything could be fixed, given enough time. It wasn’t going to be easy to overcome all the doubts and fears she had about Kora, but in that moment she was not facing the scary, frenzied and ferocious shaman she had seen in the past, but a simple frightened soul, one who had done her best to keep Nene's family safe.

  ?Thank you?, she told her.

  Kora, still shaken by the events, simply nodded.

  ?I will go downstairs?, she added.

  ?I…?, Kora replied. ?...I think... I think I'll take a look around. In a moment?

  Understanding her state of mind, Nene decided to leave her alone for a while. No one in Kumhar would have easily forgotten that scary day, plus she was eager to see Oto. She knocked on the cellar door. Not receiving any response, she tried to open it, and to her dismay, she realised that it was ajar. She went down the ladder slowly, out of fear of scaring them. The cellar was shrouded in darkness, except for the easily recognizable faint light of the Emissary. She set one foot after another on steps she couldn't see, cautiously guessing their positions, until she could see inside Jiriel's shelter.

  She met Oto's worried gaze, and almost ran towards him, among the objects that the Emissary had accumulated down there, toys, tools and other old junk.

  ?Nene!?, the boy rejoiced.

  ?Oto! Are you okay??

  The boy was kneeling on the ground. Jiriel lay curled on her side, her head resting in his lap. She was keeping her hands clasped as if in prayer near her mouth, and her eyes closed. She appeared to be asleep. She had never even seen her rest, which suddenly felt like a bad omen.

  ?We're fine?, Oto replied. ?And you? Have the nomads left??

  ?Yes. Luckily they weren't hostile. The mayor is negotiating with their chief?

  ?What did they want??

  ?They have come to ask Adanara for help. But… Why is the Emissary…?

  Oto looked apprehensively at the angel. He caressed her hair, and she moved almost imperceptibly. Her wings lay on the ground, their bright colours gone. A sad ash grey turned them almost invisible in the shadows.

  ?Jiriel is fine?, Oto explained. ?But we argued and now she's feeling down?

  ?My Lady, can you hear me??

  The angel hid her face against Oto's knees, confirming that she had indeed noticed her. Nene sat across from her, still confused.

  ?Should we be worried??

  ?No, she'll be fine?

  ?What happened? Why did you argue??

  ?She… wanted to destroy all the nomads. She said she wanted to protect me, but… I told her no?

  ?What?! The Emissary wanted… you have…?

  ?Jiriel, she... I didn't want her to kill them, or she would regret it?

  ?Oto…?

  Nene hugged him, admiring his innocence and dedication to his loved ones. Oto was very stiff at first, but then relaxed and let out a sigh.

  ?I was scared?, he admitted.

  ?We all were. They're gone now?

  ?That’s not it… I was afraid Jiriel would attack them. She... She's not like that. She is good, and kind. You know that?

  ?I do?, Nene admitted. ?Jiriel would not harm anyone?

  A large, luminous hand caressed her face. Nene felt a shiver down her spine, an ecstasy that was by then familiar. The Emissary, lying on the ground, had opened her eyes and was staring at her. Her enormous bronze irises were instead black as pitch and covered in a veil of tears.

  ?You called me by name...?, she whispered, moved.

  ?My Lady, are you well??

  She sobbed. Nene grabbed her hand, hoping to comfort her. What she felt was not the usual, pleasant sensation that the Emissary always gave her, but rather a profound sadness, a pain that did not belong to her, and that reminded her of the worst moments of her life. The angel rose to her knees, towering over both her and Oto. She held the boy close and kept sobbing.

  ?I'm sorry?, she whimpered. ?I'm sorry. I'm sorry?

  ?It's all right?, he replied. ?Thank you for trusting me?

  Jiriel continued to cry. Her tears emitted a similar light to her own as they fell from her chin to the ground, where they disappeared as if drying in an instant. She reached out to Nene and pulled her forcefully towards her, holding them both between her long arms.

  ?I'll be good. Don't chase me away!?, she begged.

  ?Why would I?? Oto asked.

  ?I would never want to?, Nene replied.

  ?It hurts...?, the angel complained.

  Nene thought she was having hallucinations when her blessing began to react. The Emissary's embrace, always a source of pleasure, like a blessing, caused her a strong nausea, similar to the one she knew far too well, the one every Inquisitor felt in the presence of the damned. A deep and primordial fear took possession of her as she reflected in those disturbingly dark irises.

  ?My Lady…?, she stammered. ?Tell me how I can help you?

  ?Don't leave me?, she pleaded. ?Stay with me?

  ?I'm not leaving you. But... what's happening...??

  Oto caressed the angel's face. He craned his neck and rested his forehead against hers. Jiriel stood still for a moment.

  Then, she smiled.

  The angel shone with a more intense light. Her eyes regained their natural colour. She spread her wings, radiant and beautiful, a whirlwind of warm rainbows. The temperature in the cellar rose significantly, and Nene began to sweat.

  ?I want to live?, the Emissary said. ?I want to be with you. Don't leave me alone?

  Against all expectations, Oto, with both hands, roughly squeezed Jiriel by the cheeks, forcing her to make a funny expression, her lips compressed between the boy's hands, her look surprised.

  He kissed her.

  The temperature rose again. The angelic embrace began to burn. Nene pulled away from that hot grip, both out of fear for her safety and because she suddenly felt she was in their way. She observed that surreal scene with dismay, unable to understand where Oto had drawn such courage, or carelessness, to the point of daring to kiss a divine entity.

  When their faces moved away, Jiriel didn't move at all. She stood statuesque, staring at him. The colours of her wings took on a calm, wavy motion, soothing to the eye, and her light faded to red. She smiled again, and Oto did the same.

  Then Jiriel pushed him and threw him to the ground.

  ?What the…! You want me to boil alive or something?!?, she laughed. ?Oto!?

  ?Ouch!?, he complained.

  ?But... but... Since when... Oh, shit...?

  ?Was I… Shouldn’t I have??, he asked.

  In response, the Emissary crawled towards the human, towering over him. Nene looked away in embarrassment, but couldn't help but eavesdrop. Confused by the situation and conflicting emotions, she couldn't find the strength to get up and leave.

  ?You dumb?! ‘Twas about time!?, Jiriel yelled.

  ?“About time”?! What about you, then? What were you waiting for?!?

  ?Me!? I... what do I know! I thought… How am I supposed to know how these things work? I'm not even mortal!?

  ?You're the dumb one!?

  ?Yes, I'm dumb, so what?!?

  The two burst out laughing. Unsure if they were arguing or getting along, Nene dared to intrude on their… whatever it was.

  ?Is everything okay??, she asked.

  ?Oh?

  The light moved closer to her as she stared at the floor. She looked up and saw the Emissary kneeling in front of her.

  ?Thank you, Nene. Everything is fine, now?

  ?My Lady, I… believe I have… perceived the Evil One…?

  ?Yes, he was here. But I shooed him away?

  ?You mean that… you were…?

  ?Don't worry, he has no power over me. We were just... exchanging a few words?

  ?I understand. No, actually, I don’t. Are you sure we are safe??

  ?Yes, don't worry. Rather... How are things in town??

  Nene looked at Oto, who had a dreamy look. She felt so embarrassed, thinking back to what she had just witnessed. Jiriel, reading her like a book, had the same reaction, and so they found themselves staring into each other's eyes, both too shy to speak. On an inauspicious day, which had almost ended in a brutal massacre, a day of fear and worry, Nene had seen the culmination of the love between a young mortal and the Emissary of God.

  Jiriel insisted for everyone to gather at her house. Adanara's protests were of no avail. Nila had convinced the mayor to allow Bugra to join them too, since he and his men were being temporarily "hosted" at the Kumhar barracks, on the upper floor of the manor.

  Two days had passed since the arrival of the Tega Urok, and Bugra was becoming visibly impatient, although he dared not voice his thoughts on the matter. After he had summarised his story once again, a similar feeling of uneasiness came over both Kora and Jiriel.

  ?The lands to the east are dangerous?, the shaman said. ?Allow me to accompany you?

  ?Are you leaving already??, the Emissary grumbled.

  ?Salisander's refuge is down there. We will be safer travelling together?

  ?I would be honoured to have the powerful Tuatha wizard at my side?

  Bugra bowed to her, bringing a hand to his chest. Kora didn't bat an eyelid at his reverence, which instead aroused the curiosity of the others.

  ?Master??, Adanara said. ?Do you know each other??

  ?Not at all?, Kora replied.

  ?There is a legend about Tuatha?, the man explained. ?It says that they visit the moor on pilgrimage and that they are a good omen?

  ?What about me??, Jiriel asked enthusiastically. ?There's a legend about me too??

  The Emissary gloated towards the colossus. Bugra, standing in the centre of the room, for an instant seemed like a normal-sized person, next to the angel who was as big as he was. He stared at her in amazement, uncertain of the nature of that bizarre creature like he had never seen before.

  ?I know nothing about your kind?, he replied. ?I'm sorry?

  ?Oh…?, she muttered, disappointed.

  Kora, sitting cross-legged on the ground, tapped the butt of her spear on the ground, as if to call to attention.

  ?The Wardens visiting the spirit of the flame do so hiding from beasts, but we will fight them openly, will we? How do you think we can succeed??

  All eyes fell on Nene, who was sitting at the table, silently sipping some milk Oto had offered her. Nila, at her side, smiled. Adanara, who was in front of her, looked at her worriedly. As an Inquisitor, she was the most qualified to fight a horde of monsters under the command of a servant of the Evil One, however, the truth was different. It was not within the power of a single Inquisitor to manage such a situation. In the Principality, evidence of the existence of witches was few and ambiguous, and so were the strategies to hunt one down. She had studied no protocols in that regard, since in all likelihood, before Adanara, the Church had not faced a witch in decades, perhaps centuries.

  ?Bugra, do those beasts… obey the witch??, she asked.

  ?We think so. Every time we Tega Urok try to find her hideout, beasts attack us incessantly?

  ?How do you know where she’s hiding??, Adanara asked.

  ?You will see... There is no doubt that the witch's refuge is somewhere in those woods. It is a cursed place, where nature is sick. There are also ancient and sinister ruins full of magical symbols?

  Nene noticed how the Emissary, usually joyful and enthusiastic, had suddenly become silent. She was curled on the floor close to the fireplace, in front of the armchair where Oto sat.

  ?My Lady, do you have any suggestions??

  ?Huh? No, I... Bring weapons??

  ?Thank you so much!?, Adanara shouted.

  ?So you w-will open a passage for us?, Nila intervened. ?And we will go to the witch’s lair. And then??

  ?Then we will heal her?, her sister replied.

  ?The same way you healed Moka??

  ?Exactly?

  Kora became thoughtful. She folded her arms and closed her eyes. Oto, meanwhile, raised a hand to ask to speak.

  ?Couldn’t the Fury spread among everyone??

  ?Oh, no, you silly?, Jiriel replied, in an idiotic tone. ?Don’t believe Oroel’s blabbering. Did Nene tell you about it??

  ?Some warriors have fallen victim to the curse in the past?, Bugra said. ?Any time we go deep within the woods, a voice is heard, one that could shatter the strongest of minds. I heard it myself?

  ?The Evil One?

  ?Let's send a small group?, Adanara proposed. ?I've gotten used to its voice by now, and Nene is immune. It will be easier if there aren't many of us?

  ?I might end up using the cross on ourselves?, Nene said. ?If anyone should fall for its tricks. It wouldn't be pleasant?

  Adanara shivered, having already undergone that treatment by the Emissary, in Kumhar’s prison. Kora, on the other hand, stood up, as if reborn after her brief meditation.

  ?I will ask the spirit of the flame for help?, she announced. ?I will accompany you into battle wielding her power, if necessary?

  ?Hurray!?, Bugra shouted. ?We fear nothing with Tuatha on our side!?

  ?I thought they told you to surrender your gift...?

  Kora glared at Adanara. She sat back down and pretended to ignore her.

  ?Are you sure??, Nila asked. ?I-it's not your fight?

  ?Nor is yours?, she replied. ?Consider it… a way to redeem me?

  Nene observed the Emissary, who, despite being perched at Oto's feet like a pet, was very attentive to the discussion. It wasn’t safe to blindly trust her judgement, after the previous experience, when she had sent her to the sanctuary of the Cloud Folk with little and imprecise information, yet part of her still wished for the angel to give her directions, an order.

  Once they agreed to depart the next morning, Adanara walked out of the house soon after, eager to leave, followed by Bugra. Nila was waiting for Nene to go back home, but Jiriel held her, claiming that she needed to talk to her in private. Once Nila had also been dismissed, Kora left without saying a word. Only Nene, Oto and the Emissary remained. The angel invited her to sit on the free armchair.

  ?I'm all ears, My Lady?

  ?Ugh, you only called me by my name that one time?, she grumbled.

  ?Still, I’m pretty busy. I should get ready for tomorrow…?, Nene urged her.

  Jiriel looked around, anxiously, then glanced out the window overlooking Lemon's stable, from which she could see Kora's head pop out, sitting in the grass deep into her meditations. After making sure there was no one else in the house, she stared at Nene.

  ?Bring your cross with you?

  ?Yes, Ma'am?

  ?Good?

  Nene stared back at her, puzzled. The Emissary smiled like an idiot, until Oto slapped her on the head.

  ?Ouch!?

  ?Nene?, the boy interjected. ?What she wanted to tell you is that... Yesterday we had a talk, and decided I won't go with you?

  Jiriel nodded. Nene felt quite lost at that. She had taken it for granted that Oto would be at her side, but upon thinking about it, there was no reason for him to go. Usually, Oto and the Emissary would have argued over something like this, and one of the two would have ended up imposing on the other. The fact that they had found an agreement peacefully made her smile, a sign that they had both matured. Furthermore, knowing Oto was safe in Kumhar instead of in a distant and dangerous land would have been a relief.

  ?I understand. I guess it's useless to ask you if you will accompany me...?

  ?Nah!?, Jiriel replied. ?Moores are boring?

  ?Bugra spoke of strange ruins and magical symbols…?

  Jiriel's eyes shone for a moment. She clenched her fists in a huge effort of composure and managed to control herself.

  ?Be careful, Nene?, she advised. ?Kora is powerful, but she cannot protect you from the Evil One?

  ?Yes, My Lady. I will return safe and sound?

  ?Good. Then you’ll tell me about those magical symbols! Bring paper and ink, and have Nila draw them!?

  The Emissary dismissed her laughing blissfully. Nene left the house and found Kora sitting cross-legged on the top of the hill. She had her eyes closed and was facing the large tree where her home stood.

  ?See you tomorrow?, she told her.

  Kora opened her eyes and turned to her. She looked sleepy, which reminded her of Rune, the hideous creature they had encountered in the cave where Warden Moka had been sealed. With an extremely slow and effortless gesture, she stood up with just one foot on the ground, as if her body had no weight.

  ?Thank you, Nene?, she said.

  ?For what??

  ?For leading me to the infant spirit?

  ?Oh… You're welcome. Did you find what you were looking for??

  The shaman sighed. She looked towards the tree, her expression sad. An instant later, however, she furrowed her hairless eyebrows and picked up her spear from the ground.

  ?I have even more questions than before?, she admitted. ?But I'm starting to understand the Flow better than Moka and the elders think. Or at least, I hope so. Maybe this trip will give me some of the answers I crave?

  ?Is there anything to worry about??

  Nene's question left Kora taken aback. After a moment of confusion, she smiled at her and headed towards the door of Jiriel's house.

  ?I'll find out. I will share my new knowledge with you, if you wish?

  The next morning, Adanara showed up at the southern gate of Kumhar, near the crops, with the proudest face Nene had ever seen. She had reasons to be satisfied since she was driving a two-horse cart. Following her were Bugra and his three companions, to whom the mayor had returned weapons and horses.

  Nene had retrieved Oo from the stable that morning. Her steed became agitated as the nomads began shouting, urging their animals in a way she had never seen before, constantly whistling and screaming. Adanara dismounted from the dark wooden chariot. It was quite a leap, as the vehicle had huge wheels. She almost lost her balance in doing so, then she patted the side of the wagon enthusiastically.

  ?I managed to convince Sonhir!?, she announced.

  ?Did you beg him on your knees??, Nene asked.

  ?Look who's talking, the one living rent-free at my sister’s place?

  Whether their quarrel was friendly or not, they had no idea either. Before the discussion could escalate, Kora approached the carriage curiously.

  ?What is it?? she asked, poking a wheel.

  The cart was small, smaller than the one with which they had arrived in Kumhar the previous fall. It was open and extremely simple, a rectangular wooden floor, surrounded by walls barely half a metre high, and an iron step at the back. The bridle was secured to the vehicle via another iron bar, nailed to the hull with heavy brackets. It looked rough, but was solid, and could move quickly and nimbly, given its small size.

  ?A wheel?, Adanara snorted. ?You don't know what a wheel is??

  Kora nodded and kept poking the curious object. In the forest where her people lived, such a vehicle would have been almost unusable, so it was no great surprise to discover that the Cloud Folk had not invented the wheel. Adanara, however, was eager to take revenge on her strict master.

  ?Careful! It bites!?, she shouted.

  The shaman withdrew her hand in fear and stared at the wheel as if it were an instrument of death. She understood she had been tricked only when Adanara couldn't hold back her laughter. She pouted but for a moment, enough to satisfy the witch.

  ?Ada, stop it!?, Nila scolded her.

  ?Okay, okay… You should see your face?

  ?Is there something wrong with it??, Kora replied in all seriousness.

  ?It's best to leave immediately?, Bugra urged, trotting next to them. ?The rest of the group awaits us. It will be a few days. Better to take advantage of sunlight?

  ?You're right?, Nene agreed. ?Oo is impatient too. He hasn't left the stable for a long time?

  The horse stared at her, still afraid of those noisy strangers. Nene had learned to ride during training and had been told that horses suffer from inactivity. Over the winter she had made sure to take Oo for a few rides around the city when she had the chance, but between her job at the farm and the occasional laziness, she knew she hadn't let him run enough. Finally, they were about to travel together again.

  Adanara convinced Kora, although reluctant, to get on the chariot with Nila. Bugra went to the head of the convoy together with his companions, and Nene to the rear, riding Oo. They went around the hill along the edge of the forest, close to the ancient ruins that Kumhar's masons were dismantling, slowly making them disappear in the name of progress.

  When they reached the road, Nene turned towards the hill. To her surprise, she saw the Emissary standing up there, looking at them. She raised a hand to greet her, and Jiriel did the same. A sense of nostalgia immediately caught her, so she turned towards the rest of the group who, taking advantage of the easier terrain, were accelerating. To the east, towards the moor from which the Tega Urok came, and where a powerful, terrible witch was hiding and waiting.