《Selected Celeste》 1 - Sisterships This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. 2 - Celestial So gentle; so stellar. So submerged? ¡°I¡¯m trying to rest, Andromeda.¡± Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. 3 - Light Part 1 Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Naritsune looked across to the fellow on a couch as pale as his clothes were dark. ¡°¡­ You¡¯ve been?¡± he asked.
¡°Might be better than - this,¡± the stranger said with was that a shiver? ¡°Then again, the parents wouldn¡¯t be too happy about me alarming the little ones, so that¡¯s an island continent out.¡± Naritsune had to stop himself from staring. It was as if the dark clothing was so deep that the fellow¡¯s face seemed to be filled with a gentle light. Even if he did look- ¡°You did want me to speak, didn¡¯t you? Brighten the mood?¡± ¡°You¡¯d get a little warmer,¡± Naritsune began. ¡°It¡¯s sunbathe weather further south.¡± ¡°I¡¯m more - cool of the evening,¡± the stranger replied, flicking a plume of hair to one side. ¡°When the Edge has gone.¡± ¡°Or dead of night,¡± said Feldaner, looking at the stranger. ¡°Eh?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Overcast¡¯s not bad either,¡± the stranger continued. ¡°Although the moons and stars so seal it.¡± ¡°Pale, yet fair,¡± Feldaner added, hands pressed against his yellow birds-decored robe. ¡°Fair like the Kindreds. Fair like the moons and stars and even now, not entirely shrouded by the darkness.¡± ¡°Is that a poem?¡± asked Naritsune. ¡°Right about pale,¡± said the stranger, looking at one of his hands, then wincing. ¡°Knew this wasn¡¯t a good idea.¡± ¡°¡­ Can¡¯t believe I missed it,¡± Feldaner continued, hand resting on the chair as he continued to look at the stranger. ¡°Would have done if you hadn¡¯t said ¡®Note to Self¡¯.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand,¡± said Naritsune, glancing at the fellow, then at Feldaner. ¡°Who is he?¡± 4 - Light Part 2 ¡°What is he more like. Inhuman, or not human.¡± ¡°Thought you¡¯d catch on,¡± said the stranger, arms spread across the back of the couch. ¡°Inhuman?¡± said Naritsune, turning to the stranger. ¡°You¡¯re not a¡­.¡± ¡°He¡¯s one of the folk spoken of in bedtime stories, Naritsune,¡± Feldaner said, standing up. ¡°A Darkierami in all its monstrosity.¡± ¡°Him?¡± said Naritsune, looking up at Feldaner. ¡°He¡¯s not well, Mr Lonshore.¡± ¡°Darkyrie most days,¡± the stranger began. ¡°Nyxirin on Moondays. Although you could use half an alphabet for the other terms.¡± ¡°Darkyrie,¡± Naritsune repeated, looking at the fellow who had his hair in a decored high ponytail like his own. ¡°Sounds familiar¡­.¡± ¡°Rhymes with Valkyrie if that helps,¡± said the stranger. ¡°Although your allegiance would lie closer to the Furies,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°My grandfather said the same name once or twice,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Would say it, and go ashen. Said that it was given to those from the star-vaulted kingdoms. Yet whose hearts burn with malevolent fires.¡± ¡°Of the Star-lit Kindred,¡± Feldaner added. ¡°But forsook the Light for its dread opposite and embraced all that came with it. Dark Elf.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the most used one,¡± the stranger said with a sigh. ¡°Three names beginning with D.¡± ¡°Dark Elf?¡± Naritsune repeated, glancing at the stranger, Feldaner, then back at the stranger. ¡°The beautiful - yet deadly - folk from the Darkristen Kingdoms?¡± ¡°Beautiful?¡± the stranger coughed. ¡°That¡¯s the lunar ladies and maidens. Only my mum and one or two of her friends have called me handsome.¡±The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. ¡°I don¡¯t care what your mum¡¯s friends said,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Why are you in this place that is dedicated to the Light?¡± ¡°Seconded,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°Thirded,¡± the stranger said before Naritsune had cleared the space between them and pulled him up so they were face to face. ¡°You must know something,¡± Naritsune said, trying not to stare at the gentle light under the fellow¡¯s skin. ¡°Who did you beat to get here?¡± ¡°I wish I was knocking the daylights out of someone right now,¡± the stranger replied. ¡°Not you - back home.¡± ¡°Then which Scourge of Light sent you into this midst?¡± said Feldaner, striding over. ¡°Let go.¡± Naritsune stared. How had the - Elf - said that without his lips moving? ¡°Withdraw.¡± ¡°Stop-stop speaking in my head,¡± Naritsune snapped. ¡°I heard it too,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°And it wasn¡¯t me,¡± said the Elf. ¡°Quite right, it wasn¡¯t him,¡± said a new voice. ¡°Uh-oh¡­¡± Naritsune groaned, knowing that voice all too well. ¡°It¡¯s Her.¡± ¡°Got that right,¡± the voice replied, coupled with footsteps. Naritsune let go and turned to face a woman with twinkling braids, sweeping skirts, and the non-nonsense gaze of a fencing instructor. ¡°And it¡¯s Lady Killyria to you.¡± ¡°My-my Lady,¡± said Naritsune, letting go of the Elf and making a bow. ¡°I thought you had other things to attend to once you¡¯d brought us here.¡± ¡°You¡¯d have liked that, wouldn¡¯t you,¡± Killyria said, as swathed in blue, violet and silver as Feldaner was in red and gold. ¡°Out of the way while you pick on the other contestants.¡± ¡°But he¡¯s a¨C¡± ¡°Do we have to go through the terms again?¡± ¡°No, My Lady,¡± Naritsune said, bowing again. Terms? More like a spare afternoon¡¯s book. ¡°I apologise.¡± ¡°I think you should direct it at the one you had by the lapels,¡± Killyria added. ¡°Wha-¡± Naritsune began, then saw a faint smile sweep across the Elf¡¯s face. ¡°Not a good idea, Kyray,¡± Killyria added. ¡°Smugness isn¡¯t becoming of you.¡± ¡°Quite right, Madame,¡± Kyray said with a bow as Feldaner coughed. ¡°I apologise.¡± ¡°Still waiting, Mr Tsukiyama,¡± Killyria continued. ¡°¡­ Please accept-¡± Naritsune began, eyes closed and head bowed, ¡°my apology for how I acted before, Mr-¡± ¡°Melendar, but Kyray¡¯s fine,¡± the Elf said with a nod as Feldaner stared, took a step back and coughed again. ¡°Might want to take some water, Feldaner,¡± said Killyria said. ¡°We¡¯re late enough as it is.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be okay, My Lady,¡± Feldaner said, going to his seat to get the shepherd-like crook propped against a chair. ¡°But what about the other young chap?¡± ¡°Oh, the Watch will take care of him. Might get there before us.¡± ¡°There?¡± asked Naritsune. ¡°You¡¯ll find out all the quicker if you start moving,¡± Killyria said, heading towards the door. ¡°Destination calls.¡± 5 - Eminence Sparkling droplets arced through the air. Fountain their source; pool, their destination. Droplets also burst from the splashes of the bream and carp within the water; their aquatic clarity contrasting with the rhythmic coo of the abbey doves. Alic¨¦ could see a fair-sized party of them near the pool¡¯s edge. Some striding; some sitting. Some preening and three bathing in the water. All in the ultramarine-and-white of May-Ensletia. Had to be something when the birds and Sisters wore the same colours. Right down to the edges on the cuff, lower hems, cloaks and wimples. White to echo the doves¡¯ leg feathers and wings. Although the young doves weren¡¯t in the spectrum blue with white trim of the pupils and sisters-to-be. They were pearl grey or white - almost like the clouds - and according to Haysarna, one or two kept it into adulthood. Not that the same could be said about her hair, Alic¨¦ exhaled. No amount of mirror-checking could change the mid and high lights developing amidst the dark brown shades. To which could be added a new bruise on her forehead from a falling book. ¡°Oh, to be a dove without a care in the world,¡± she hummed, leaning on the ebony pew as she watched the doves. ¡°A quiet garden to poke about in; a nice pool to bathe and get refreshments. A cathedral roof to sun-bathe on and the ability to spread my wings and fly away from it all.¡± ¡°Until you see the falling anchor head of an Executioner Falcon,¡± a familiar voice cooed. ¡°See, then hightail it for the bell tower.¡± Alic¨¦ turned in the voice¡¯s direction. ¡°Apologies for thinking aloud Sister - Linnette?¡± ¡°Still a way to go, Alic¨¦,¡± the speaker replied, also dressed in sister-to-be light blue; but in what could only be a v-necked shirt, trousers and clogs? ¡°This is just the start.¡± ¡°You¡¯re telling me,¡± Alic¨¦ said, trying not to stare. ¡°Did Ileen tell you I was here?¡± ¡°Not since she was celebrating a win against Cryswyth, last night,¡± Linnette replied. ¡°Although a rematch might pull in more than the contestants,¡± she added, then looked at something on Alic¨¦¡¯s face. ¡°Could have already started.¡± ¡°It hasn¡¯t,¡± Alic¨¦ said, putting up her hands as Linnette¡¯s may green gaze got telescopic. ¡°I got the wrong side of a book, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°And came off the worst by the look of it,¡± Linnette said, getting closer. ¡°I¡¯m not allowed to use my skills outside of the Infirmary yet. But if you come back with me, I can have a look.¡± ¡°Oh no, I know what one of your look¡¯s means, Justine-Linnette,¡± Alic¨¦ said, stepping away. ¡°Too many test potions and pins and needles. And if Ileen didn¡¯t send you, why are you in this neck of the woods?¡± ¡°Subject change isn¡¯t going to work, Miss Sain-Florengal,¡± Linnette replied, stepping forward. ¡°And I was talking about healing, not herbs.¡± ¡°Weeds from the back of Three Meres Farm, more like. ¡®Full of goodness is Silver Thistle brew¡¯ you said. ¡®Purges the infirmities¡¯. Purged a lot more than infirmities. Didn¡¯t have an unbroken night¡¯s sleep for a week.¡± ¡°I got the quantities a little - off,¡± said Linnette. ¡°Needed more mint.¡± ¡°Mint? It¡¯s not Potha-cherri¡¯s finest at the Lakehouse in Minsmene. Throw in some lavender whilst your at it. No, you¡¯d better not, Ensletia knows how many times you¡¯ve had even a scone and they¡¯ve had to drag you out for flying at Ilene again.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t need lavender for that,¡± said Linnette, face with that - gaze she would get when about to go into ¡®battle¡¯. ¡°She¡¯s one of your closest friends.¡± ¡°And knows very well what keys to press. Keys shared by yourself.¡±If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°Don¡¯t bring me into this,¡± Alic¨¦ sighed. ¡°It was you we were discussing in the first place.¡± ¡°There wasn¡¯t any discussion. You¡¯d have dragged me to the Infirmary if we hadn¡¯t veered onto herbs.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be dragging you there yet if you don¡¯t calm down. Don¡¯t think I¡¯ll hold back because you need medical attention.¡± ¡°I¡¯d rather eat a basketful of cherry tomatoes,¡± Alic¨¦ whispered, then had to put a hand to her mouth. ¡°You¡¯ll need a pint of Silver Thistle brew after I¡¯m finished,¡± Linnette replied, flowing into a side-on-stance. ¡°Let¡¯s see if that contest all those years ago was a fluke.¡± ¡°You¡¯re supposed to help the sick,¡± said Alic¨¦, taking a few steps back. ¡°Not beat them to medical attention. And as for the fluke; we didn¡¯t even start. Clareweather broke it up.¡± ¡°Just as I¡¯m about to this,¡± said a new voice, coupled with a burst of sunlight. ¡°Aargh - who¡¯s doing that?¡± Alic¨¦ said, putting her hand in front of her eyes. ¡°Make a guess, Bleu de Ciel,¡± the voice replied, eclipsing most of the sunlight. Alic¨¦ turned towards the figure, then almost fell to the floor. ¡°Prophetess Clareweather. I didn¡¯t know that it was you.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t know that it was me,¡± the Chief Prophetess of May-Ensletia Abbey said, lifting Alic¨¦ by the shoulders. ¡°Almost seven years and you can¡¯t recognise my voice?¡± ¡°It was - the light - your Eminence,¡± Alic¨¦ said, legs flailing in the air. ¡°I couldn¡¯t think.¡± ¡°Stopped you both in your tracks though, didn¡¯t it,¡± the Prophetess continued. ¡°Although why Sister-to-Be Belvarion is here rather than in the Infirmary is a mystery.¡± Seven years. Alic¨¦ thought as her ear picked up the sharp intake of breath from Linnette. Seven years of growth and still the dangle-in-the-air speciality of Hilarwen Clareweather had not any less - undignified. ¡°Come on,¡± said Clareweather, letting go of Alic¨¦, and turning to Linnette. ¡°What brings Maria¡¯s latest apple to my table?¡± ¡°S-Sister Maria sent me here on an errand, My Lady,¡± Linnette said with a shaky courtesy. ¡°An errand?¡± Clareweather repeated, whilst Alic¨¦ winced upon touching each of her upper arms. ¡°Here? Things must be bad if Sister Maria requires my help.¡± ¡°Begging your pardon, My Lady, but I was sent to find another.¡± ¡°Alic¨¦? Curiouser and Curiouser¡­.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the Lady Meldannon, Your Grace,¡± said Linnette, shifting, so that Alic¨¦ was between Lady Clareweather and herself. ¡°Meldannon?¡± said Clareweather, sweeping past Alic¨¦ and looking down at Linnette like a stork watching a lizard. ¡°What in all Maysine does she want her for? And don¡¯t try to hold anything back as I have ways of finding the bits.¡± Linnette squeaked as Clareweather seemed to get larger with every moment. Alic¨¦ could only stare; how many pupils, or sisters, didn¡¯t become yelping-¡± ¡°Babes?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Alic¨¦ began, then stared at the primrose-haired and delft blue-robed sister standing beside her. ¡°Lady - Meldannon. But-¡± ¡°One of the gifts,¡± the sister - no - Second Prophetess of May-Ensletia replied, almost as effortless as a breath of air. ¡°As is speaking without words¡­.¡± Alic¨¦¡¯s mouth opened. She¡¯d heard the last two words. Yet her eyes did not catch a single movement on Meldannon¡¯s lips after the word ¡®speaking¡¯. Not to mention her eyes that may as well have been heavenly blue sapphires. ¡°Don¡¯t look so puzzled?¡± the Prophetess said aloud. ¡°You would have them too - if you accepted who you are. And I¡¯m sure that I¡¯ve heard the simile ¡®richer than the gahnospinels on the vestments of the Archbishop of Minsmene¡¯ regarding your own.¡± ¡°Who - I am - and what I do does not involve becoming another you, Elena,¡± Alic¨¦ whispered. ¡°But the sooner you could - diffuse - the situation between Prophetess Clareweather and Sister-to-Be Belvarion, the better.¡± ¡°It would be remiss of me to not acknowledge a kindred spirit when I see one,¡± Elena continued, eyes cool and voice cold. ¡°One with the same desire to soar above the clouds¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got - plans,¡± said Alic¨¦, glancing at Linnette shrinking towards the ground and Clareweather reaching up towards the ceiling. ¡°None of which involve becoming Tess Number Three.¡± ¡°Oh,¡± said Elena. ¡°The Scriptorium? Very hideaway.¡± ¡°Think whatever you like,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°But please sort this mess out.¡± ¡°You have a point there,¡± said Elena, ¡°It¡¯s alright, My Lady, I know what this is about.¡± ¡°Glad that someone¡¯s forthcoming,¡± Clareweather said, turning away from a quaking Linnette. ¡°Although for Sister Maria to need either of us makes me wonder if sisters need recalling from further afield.¡± ¡°It¡¯s on the question of fulfilment,¡± said Elena. ¡°Within the Abbey or further afield.¡± ¡°Oh, you¡¯re welcome to that one. Might as well sit in the Prioress¡¯s garden and talk to the mini-mountains for the conservation that wouldn¡¯t pass between Maria and myself. We can resume our conversation later.¡± ¡°Yes, it cannot be discarded.¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± Alic¨¦ whispered to Linnette, who was getting up from the pew she had sunk into. ¡°I¡¯ll be better when I¡¯m back in the Infirmary.¡± ¡°Come to the refectory for lunch if you like. Haysarna suggested it and you can check the - bruises.¡± ¡°I might,¡± Linnette said with a grin. ¡°Come along, Miss Belvarion,¡± Elena¡¯s voice came from further ahead. ¡°Sister Maria will wonder what has become of us, and Sister-to-be Bleu de Ciel has her own appointment to keep.¡± ¡°Spoil-sport,¡± Alic¨¦ thought as Linnette ran after the speeding form of Elena. ¡°Heard that,¡± two voices rang inside her head. Alic¨¦ followed Clareweather into her bright office. Prophetesses? They should be called Listen- ¡°Heard that too.¡± 6 - Exercise ¡°Come on,¡± Andromeda called. ¡°There are times of appointment even in this eternity.¡± ¡°I¡¯m trying,¡± Virgo said, picking up speed along the open gallery. ¡°But don¡¯t start running again; I can¡¯t keep up.¡± ¡°What are you talking about?¡± said Andromeda. ¡°I¡¯m not running.¡± ¡°You call that walking? A step short of a sprint more like.¡± ¡°Sure your brief nap hasn¡¯t had an effect,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°They always make you sluggish.¡± ¡°Need stock up,¡± Virgo replied, drawing level with Andromeda stride for stride. ¡°Considering all the sleepless nights that we are going to have; worrying about our champions.¡± ¡°Floating into the slipstream¡­¡± Andromeda exhaled. ¡°What is?¡± ¡°You really want an explanation?¡± Andromeda continued. ¡°Callisto, I can believe - sheds tears by the fountain-load. Even Lady Justice has let a few trickle down her face. But you - your sympathies died out long ago.¡± ¡°Because I know what happens. Too many times in my case.¡± ¡°And you are so alone in this,¡± a third voice said from their left. Virgo stopped and turned. Out of the corridor they had passed stepped a lady, also wreathed with a gentle stellar glimmer. ¡°More than-¡± Virgo began. ¡°Astraea,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°We are not the only ones in being late.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright Virgo,¡± Astraea replied, dress indigo and yellow in contrast to Virgo¡¯s black and white and Andromeda¡¯s pink and blue. ¡°I get the point. Only I suspect I have a good reason to be late, Andromeda; as opposed to your excuses.¡± ¡°Back from another eventful trip?¡± Virgo asked with a smile whilst Andromeda frowned. ¡°A quarter of an hour ago,¡± Astraea said with a yawn. ¡°To find Killyria lounging in my sitting room with a message from Lady Hearth and Architecture.¡± ¡°That¡¯s one title for Serencia,¡± said Virgo. ¡°But you do realise that she¡¯s a Princess like us, Themis.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me that¡­¡± said Astraea, seeming to get taller. ¡°I can throw in Paesyn if that¡¯s better.¡± ¡°Only if you can stand Miss Viorica Bluebell.¡± ¡°Say it again,¡± said Virgo, twinkling. ¡°It¡¯ll give me one reason to-¡± ¡°Not now you¡¯re not,¡± Andromeda said, sweeping between the two. ¡°We¡¯re late enough as it is.¡± ¡°Wise move, Andromeda,¡± said Astraea, seeming to return to her more usual height, then continuing on her way. ¡°Greater duties call.¡±The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Don¡¯t want to see where it goes more like,¡± Virgo whispered, then found Andromeda looking at her. ¡°Have you forgotten who started this near-nova?¡± she began. ¡°Aside from what she said about our excuses.¡± ¡°Blame it on me not being awake yet,¡± Virgo said, smoothing the twinkles out of her dress then setting off. ¡°I¡¯ll apologise when I¡¯ve - cooled down.¡± ¡°Which might not until this is all over?¡± Andromeda added, catching up. ¡°The sooner Miss This-is-Over arrives, the better.¡± * * * ¡°Come along you two,¡± said Killyria. ¡°We won¡¯t be going anywhere at the pace you¡¯re crawling at.¡± Naritsune tried to stop himself from coughing. Crawling. He and Feldaner had been doing anything but in this vast, pastel-decored palace. Walking, jogging; canter and a gallop. Skipping whilst crossing a floral courtyard; that made him think of joyful escapes from school. Until Killyria cleared most of the distance with a jump that had brought even Feldaner to a halt. ¡°Trying our best, My Lady,¡± the Hermit Dignitary said. ¡°I must say you¡¯ve got quite a turn of speed.¡± ¡°Speed?¡± Naritsune repeated. ¡°She¡¯s not human, jumping like that.¡± ¡°Wish that you could?¡± Killyria asked, not further ahead, but so close that Naritsune had to throw himself to the side and just missed a still-going Kyray. ¡°W-what are you - playing at?¡± he said, managing not to fall over. ¡°I could have gone into the wall.¡± ¡°Hardly,¡± said Killyria, walking past Naritsune and sitting on a nearby bench. ¡°Two spans, Kyray?¡± ¡°Yes, Madame,¡± said the dark-clothed elf who looked more like - Killyria - the longer this ¡®jog¡¯ went on. Although, he was looking at their seated host as much as Naritsune was. ¡°Problem?¡± Naritsune looked at Feldaner, who shrugged his shoulders, then turned back to Killyria. ¡°I thought you said that we were late.¡± ¡°On time, to be precise,¡± she yawned. ¡°Can¡¯t say the same for the others.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t believe I¡¯m seeing this. You can¡¯t need a lie-down.¡± ¡°Rest is important. Isn¡¯t it, Feldaner?¡± ¡°Yes, My Lady,¡± Feldaner said with a nod. ¡°Not enough sleep can affect the whole of the following day.¡± ¡°That jump¡¯s tired you out?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°You¡¯ve had us canter, gallop, skip and jog like a bunch of horses. If anyone¡¯s tired, it should be Feldaner.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t just say that.¡± ¡°It¡¯s quite alright, My Lady,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°A bit of exercise didn¡¯t hurt anyone.¡± ¡°Tell that to my cousin,¡± said Kyray, touching his side. ¡°Kick like a trampler.¡± Naritsune put a hand to his mouth. ¡°You ride - oxen?¡± ¡°Not when they crash through the forest I don¡¯t,¡± said Kyray, eyebrows raised. ¡°He means a charger,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°Horse if that helps. Although there is a kingdom; far to the east where an order of knights used to ride bulls.¡± ¡°Should visit Miakristar,¡± Kyray added. ¡°They ride rhinos.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll be mammoths, crickets, and angry dormice next,¡± Killyria yawned again. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve heard of Miakristar,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Is it near - you, Kyray?¡± ¡°Under the North Star. At its best during the Auroras¡¯.¡± ¡°Only it¡¯s now part of Sarjiharn-Miakristar,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°On account of it being - conquered.¡± ¡°Well put,¡± said Kyray. ¡°Just as Shouriah-Nargactt is a combination of the kingdoms of Shouriah and Nargrenactt,¡± Feldaner continued, looking at Kyray. ¡°Shouriah being notable for an infamous House.¡± ¡°Feldaner¡­¡± Killyria said, getting to her feet. ¡°Forgive me, My Lady. It was merely an example,¡± Feldaner bowed as Naritsune noticed that Kyray¡¯s gaze had also hardened. ¡°That would have been Altarasha-Carradon,¡± Killyria replied, seeming to get taller. ¡°Or Dor-Kennisten. Although Dor¡¯s full name escapes me.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not alone,¡± said Kyray. ¡°It¡¯s been a riddle for loremasters for cycles. Not helped by two queens and three cities all claiming to be the Dor.¡± ¡°You mean - it¡¯s a title?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Explain to him when there¡¯s an interval,¡± Killyria said, striding away. ¡°On-time has turned into late.¡± 7 - Echo Late with an emphasis, Naritsune gasped. Gallop was the only way to keep sight of Killyria; when the elf - no, Kyray - didn¡¯t flow into his line of sight. Along the corridor, down some steps; across a hall with star clusters for lamps and into another courtyard with palms, lounges, a pool and leaping fish. ¡°What - kind of place - is this?¡± he said to Feldaner. ¡°A resort?¡± ¡°An up-in-the-stars one perhaps,¡± Feldaner replied, glancing up at the diamonds and indigo sky. ¡°Everything¡¯s - sharper.¡± ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± said Naritsune, also looking. ¡°It was daylight before.¡± ¡°It¡¯s coming back,¡± Feldaner added, swerving out of the way of a rainbow-trunked palm. ¡°Like a fast-moving sunrise.¡± ¡°Not faster than Lady Killyria. Can¡¯t even see her.¡± ¡°Because you¡¯ve passed her,¡± Killyria¡¯s voice came from behind and to the side-right Naritsune stopped. Turning, he saw Killyria and Kyray near the steps of a twin-pillared and arched door to his right. A door with a surface like light-speckled water. ¡°How did you two get there?¡± he began. ¡°Might have seen us if you weren¡¯t looking up,¡± Killyria replied, pulling back one of her sleeves. ¡°Where¡¯s - oh there he is, behind the tree.¡± ¡°Could hear you, but couldn¡¯t see, My Lady,¡± Feldaner said, walking over. ¡°Trees can do that,¡± said Kyray. ¡°Is this, the place we¡¯re late for?¡± asked Naritsune. ¡°Something like that,¡± said Killyria, braceleted arm twinkling. ¡°Might want to stand back. Serencia likes to add a special touch every so often.¡± ¡°There¡¯s more - like her¡­?¡± Naritsune whispered. ¡°Five according to the looks,¡± Kyray began. ¡°Eight with the gasps. Nine if we include the one who fainted.¡± Naritsune opened his mouth, then closed it as, for a moment, Killyria seemed to glow in all the colours of a sparkling rainbow. A rainbow with an arm stretched out at the light-speckled door. A door that gleamed with the shape of a fireplace - then opened of its own accord. ¡°You - can do - that¡­?¡± he gasped. ¡°Not the hearth,¡± Killyria said, returning to her usual sheen. ¡°That¡¯s Serencia¡¯s flourish. Although the one with fireworks chased a visitor around the courtyard and the jumping tortoise didn¡¯t please anyone.¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. ¡°What have I walked into¡­.¡± Kyray said as Naritsune and Feldaner stared at Killyria. ¡°You¡¯ll find out if you step inside,¡± said Killyria, gliding through the doorway and followed by an open-mouthed Naritsune. Kyray turned to go after him, but stopped at the touch of a hard and curved hand on his shoulder. Turning in the other direction, Kyray saw it wasn¡¯t a hand at all, but the gold-decored and gemstone-set crook of Feldaner. ¡°I know who you are, Darkyrie,¡± he said, face devoid of any warmth. ¡°This is becoming old ground,¡± Kyray sighed. ¡°Chastiser of Chieftains and Anointer of Kings.¡± ¡°Yet seems but the tip of an iceberg... Scion of War...¡± Kyray had to stop himself from taking a step back. ¡°... How... do you know that...?¡± ¡°In all the history of Darkristenactt; Fourteen have bourne the title of War. Of the Fourteen, Seven were said to be masters of it. And of the Seven, one was from the House of Melendar.¡± ¡°Whatever you have heard, he is an echo,¡± said Kyray, trying to block out that - that portrait of the person who looked like his reflection. ¡°An echo of a past we have learnt to put aside.¡± ¡°But those who faced him across the fields of slaughter cannot so easily leave it behind,¡± said Feldaner, stepping forward. ¡°Those who were caught at Cartenarhys Hill. Who saw first-hand the ruin devised and executed by Kierai Shouray Delmarten-Melendar.¡± Kyray¡¯s mouth opened as each name struck home. ¡°¡­ You - were there¡­?¡± ¡°Blade-to-blade,¡± Feldaner grated. ¡°As a High King fell, and a storm made worse what was already a disaster. And the questions I have forged from that day you shall finally answer.¡± ¡°Storm shrouded?¡± a voice said out of the blue. ¡°The sun¡¯s out.¡± Kyray and Feldaner both looked at each other, then turned in the voice¡¯s direction. A man was jogging towards them from the far side of the pool; crimson bonnet contrasting with an indigo coat. ¡°Are you alright, Feldaner,¡± he asked, slowing to a walk. ¡°You could stare eye-to-eye with one of the Castle Guards back home.¡± ¡°Why Haronsal,¡± Feldaner began, stepping away from Kyray and smiling like a sun no longer hidden by clouds. ¡°Glad that you¡¯ve changed your mind. You did have me worried there.¡± ¡°Oh, I thought about it alright,¡± the fellow named Haronsal said, putting hands on knees. ¡°Didn¡¯t mention this as the prize destination.¡± ¡°Might as well hear them out before deciding,¡± Feldaner continued. ¡°And spending even a single night in the Celestial Realm is a dream - or nightmare - come true.¡± ¡°Hard to be a nightmare when the foods¡¯ so sparkling,¡± Haronsal replied. ¡°Plus Lady Killyria would have hunted me down before I could even find where we first arrived.¡± ¡°Plus daymare might be what you¡¯re looking for,¡± Kyray added. ¡°As it happens¡­¡± Feldaner said, glancing at Kyray. ¡°Her Ladyship has just passed through this same entrance, Haronsal. The same door Mr Melendar and I are about to go through.¡± ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s the name of your newfound friend,¡± said Haronsal, looking at Kyray. ¡°You could say that,¡± said Feldaner, gripping his crook. ¡°Kyray, meet Haronsal Bartellan; the other half of my party of two.¡± Kyray gave a nod of acknowledgement; yet found his right hand trapped, then being shaken up and down by Haronsal. ¡°Pleased to meet you, Kyray,¡± he began. ¡°And love the embroidery. Is it snow thread or irejet?¡± ¡°I-irejet,¡± Kyray managed between shakes and glancing at his lapels. ¡°But how do you know about-¡± ¡°Never mind how he knows about it,¡± Killyria¡¯s voice came from the doorway. ¡°Get in here!¡± 8 - Dome Kyray looked at the other two, but Feldaner motioned for him to go through the doorway first. Hardly a surprise; who didn¡¯t want to be the first one to be on the receiving end of whatever Killyria had inst- Light brighter than that in the previous courtyard met him. Warm and oddly pleasant. The path continued into the grounds of a vast garden. A garden with lawns, flowerbeds, fountains and trees that spread all the way to the distant, cloud-layered horizon. A horizon above which soared a vivid and cloud-speckled sapphire sky; filled with the notes of unseen birds. ¡°It¡¯s bigger than one of the plazas back home,¡± said Haronsal, standing next to Kyray. ¡°And just as warm.¡± ¡°Wind chimes like the Spring Festival in Wengillian,¡± Feldaner added, as the twinkling notes drifted across from the trees. The same trees from which fluttered the bird song. ¡°When the harpists would form the garland and even the flowers would seem to listen.¡± ¡°Even the trees seem to be talking,¡± Haronsal continued. ¡°Listen.¡± He had no idea how they were so far from the entrance, but Kyray closed his eyes as they stood on the edge of the silver barked and royal and sapphire blue trees. Whispers, rustles; sighs and gentle chuckles. Was it the wind? Or was it the elegant pillars between ground and sky? ¡°I could sit down and listen to it all afternoon,¡± said Haronsal, looking up at the nearest tree. Look up and watch the clouds go by. ¡°And birds,¡± said Feldaner, pointing up. Silver-winged swifts sliced through the air in the manner of dolphins; whilst across the lawn - no field - golden-tailed swallows dashed and curved. Yet beyond the clouds, Kyray could see spheres of different sizes; the vault of blue not concealing their rainbow of shades. ¡°Must be other realms,¡± said Feldaner, drawing alongside him. ¡°States of existence. As different to each other as Winswall is to Darkristen.¡± ¡°And Farrismarrai,¡± Haronsal added. ¡°Don¡¯t leave my homeland - look - butterflies.¡± Kyray¡¯s mouth opened at the sight of a stream of iridescent butterflies. Arcing down from a point in the clouds, then fluttering over the grounds of the garden like an aerial river. ¡°What is - this place?¡± he exhaled. ¡°Celestial¡­?¡± Kyray could only look at Feldaner with the same trying-to-take-it-all-in gaze that was looking back at him. ¡°That¡¯s better than how you two were looking before,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°I thought that you were going to turn Kyray to stone, Mr Lonshore.¡± ¡°There¡¯s - plenty of - time for that,¡± Feldaner said, walking forward. ¡°Turquoise to compliment sapphire.¡± ¡°Eh?¡± said Haronsal, looking at Kyray.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Water.¡± Kyray rubbed his eyes. How had they got from the blue trees to this new, jade-leaved and mahogany barked pair on either side of the path? A path that flowed down to a glistening lake with lilies, reeds; ducks, swans; egrets and cascading willows. A lake with an island - green as an emerald - crowned with a moonstone pillared pavilion with a dome that echoed the sky above. ¡°Now that is a sight to see,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°And look who¡¯s by the shore,¡± said Feldaner. Waving from the great meadow that doubled as the lakeshore were the unmistakable forms of Killyria, Naritsune. ¡°Care for a jog?¡± Kyray had to look twice at Feldaner to see if he was he who had spoken, only for Haronsal to burst forward as if he could sprint the whole way. ¡°Race is on,¡± he called. ¡°Surely not, Haronsal,¡± Feldaner said, taking off after him. ¡°Measure is required.¡± Restraint more like, Kyray thought, walking forward. It was too bright, too warm and too clear for an extended run - even if he had wanted to. As if something was leaving him - moment by moment - and trying to be replaced by this - this- ¡°Oh come on Kyray,¡± Killyria¡¯s voice came again. ¡°You can manage a jog.¡± He didn¡¯t even know when it happened. One instant he was standing on the path. The next he was jogging through the meadow as if let off from starting blocks. Blocks of ice splintering away as he flowed through the sunlight. Only coming to a stop by the lakeshore because Naritsune had moved to reveal its bright surface. ¡°Hang on,¡± he said, looking at the water, then back across the meadow. ¡°I was - up there before.¡± ¡°And here now,¡± Killyria replied from a chair with a matching table and refreshments. ¡°Nevermind here,¡± said Naritsune, reappearing in Kyray¡¯s vision. ¡°You nearly took me into the lake.¡± ¡°But, but I was only jogging,¡± said Kyray, looking back at the path. ¡°Haronsal and Feldaner should be-¡± Jogging from the pace of both and with a bit to go. ¡°But they were - ahead of me,¡± he gasped. ¡°Got a quite a turn of speed, haven¡¯t you,¡± Killyria said, pouring herself a drink. Or was the jug doing it for her¡­? ¡°Might be able to leap to the island if you wanted.¡± ¡°¡­ Hardly,¡± said Kyray, taking a step back. ¡°And as long as I¡¯m not in the way,¡± said Naritsune, dropping onto another chair. ¡°Apologies,¡± Kyray replied as Feldaner and Haronsal jogged over. ¡°How in all the Fields are you able to run like that?¡± said Haronsal, wiping his brow and looking at Kyray. ¡°You could have kept level with a horse.¡± ¡°Runs in the family,¡± said Feldaner, leaning on his crook. ¡°Just like the hair.¡± ¡°So the Watch found you, Haronsal,¡± Killyria said. ¡°For a moment I thought I was going to have to find you myself.¡± ¡°I got lost your Ladyship,¡± said Haronsal, taking off his hat as he bowed. ¡°But the guards escorted me to the courtyard with the pool.¡± ¡°Still having second thoughts?¡± ¡°Would have regretted not seeing this,¡± Haronsal said with a grin. ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± a voice said from the lakeside. ¡°And that you have all arrived.¡± Kyray joined Naritsune and the others in turning to his left. Along the shore stepped a second lady; tall as Killyria and dressed in a dark blue gown with twinkling embroidery. As if a party of stars danced at her every move; including the one on her forehead that was the centrepiece of her circlet. Yet with a glow more akin to that of a gentle fire. And otherworldly enough for Naritsune to say what he was thinking: ¡°¡­ Are¡­ you¡­ from Up There..?¡± 9 - Sometimes Star. Not part of a cluster. Or the one that lit up the sky at noon. But an angry, earthbound sparkle; blazing like a crystal in the Kingdom of the Sun. Enough for Alic¨¦ to put a hand in front of her face until Clareweather slipped the star - no, crystal - into a drawer. Out of which emerged a deep green file and two pads of paper. One rose pink; the other pale ultra. Although the need for two pads escaped Alic¨¦. ¡°Now, let me see,¡± Clareweather began as she opened the file. ¡°Alic¨¦ Sain-Florengal, Mardanhi-Bleu de Ciel.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Grace,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°Eh?¡± Clareweather said, looking at Alic¨¦. ¡°You said my name.¡± ¡°Name? Not even the half of it.¡± Got that right, Alic¨¦ wanted to say, but didn¡¯t want to be held in the air again for cheek. ¡°Quite right,¡± Clareweather replied. ¡°Alic¨¦ Sain-Florengal; Haymarlen Lia-Naythune; Kei-Avra-Lysuraya; Mardanhi-Linrosair Bleu de Ciel.¡± Eighteen years, Alic¨¦ grimaced. Eighteen years and she still didn¡¯t know why she had that many. ¡°Even the Princesses of the House of Rose Viola don¡¯t have names to match yours; and if anything comes close, it would be the King¡¯s titles.¡± ¡°You¡¯d have to ask my mother; both grandmothers; my father, aunts and uncles for that, My Lady,¡± Alic¨¦ explained. Never got a full answer from any of them; except that it was in reference to a multi-realm heritage. ¡°For you not being part of the Violet House?¡± ¡°For my names, Your Grace. Why couldn¡¯t I have Alic¨¦, a middle name, Bleu de Ciel, and be done with it?¡± ¡°Something that you can treasure? See as being unique. Sister Urania would call it a constellation. A constellation you can be happy about; just like your results¡­¡± ¡°You mean,¡± Alic¨¦ said, almost standing up. ¡°I survived?¡± ¡°Goodness, it wasn¡¯t a battle,¡± said Clareweather; a sheet of paper rising from the file and floating across to Alic¨¦. ¡°Although they aren¡¯t a bed of feathers and petals.¡± Alic¨¦ had to look at the window; the bookcase; the engraved glasses and matching jug. Pass, pass. A needs more work and more passes. Plus one or two- ¡°¡­ Distinctions,¡± she said aloud. ¡°But my mocks were toast.¡± ¡°That¡¯s one way of putting it,¡± Clareweather said, pouring herself a glass as a second, full one landed on the table next to Alic¨¦. ¡°Surprised one or two of the Sisters who had given you up for lost. ¡®Gifted in Painting and Illumination¡¯ according to one. ¡®A remarkable grasp of the pivotal events of Maysine-Enslet¡¯ by another.¡± Alic¨¦ put a hand to her head. Grasp? She just went for it on the papers of the ¡®Unification of Maysine and the Seven Seasons of Enslet¡¯. Especially when - with Maysine - she only knew that there was a County and a Duchy because she was from the latter; and Enslet had four seasons, not seven. ¡°I dare say that Sister Margaret will be hunting you down soon enough,¡± Clareweather continued. ¡°That and your affinity with Celeslaysian is like a light to a moth.¡±Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Still didn¡¯t register now, Alic¨¦ thought, looking at one of Clareweather¡¯s books. To most, the script on the spine would be a delicate flow of shapes and patterns. Yet Alic¨¦ knew that it said ¡®The Finer Points of Celeslaysian¡¯ almost without thinking. ¡°And haven¡¯t been taught a word of until you came here,¡± Clareweather added as Alic¨¦ nearly fell out of her chair. ¡°Just as you could touch the Stream in two lessons.¡± ¡°Stream?¡± Alic¨¦ coughed. ¡°It tried to drown me.¡± ¡°Often does on the first connection,¡± Clareweather said as the book floated across from the shelf. ¡°Like putting your finger on something that was always there; but could never quite explain and it¡¯s very happy to see you.¡± ¡°That¡¯s one way of putting it¡­¡± ¡°The words of Linaversa, no less. A Sister you should be aware of.¡± How could Alic¨¦ forget. Donna-Maria Linaversa. One of the earlier Prophetesses who - along with Anne-Marie Mayfloradon - founded the Joint Order of Virgo-Andromeda. Although Alic¨¦ wasn¡¯t sure if Linaversa was from Maysine and Mayfloradon was from Enslet; or was it the other way round? ¡°Other way,¡± sighed Clareweather. ¡°And your namesake was from Maysine and Alloura from Enslet before you get into a bundle over that too.¡± ¡°Forgive me, Your Grace, but Alloura was a songstress and Clarioncloud was an abbess,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°Not Clarioncloud,¡± said Clareweather. ¡°The prophetess you¡¯re named after: Naythune.¡± The sombre winter moon to the summer sun that was Jaylinsa Alloura, Alic¨¦ grimaced. Who spent more time up west beyond O-Ince-Cidel-Cloud than in the Two Maysines. Quite how they had worked together to find the Last Heir and get him crowned at May-Ensletia Abbey was nothing short of- ¡°A miracle,¡± Clareweather continued. ¡°Since this Abbey was under siege and things were starting to go ill. But did you know Naythune could converse with the Elves of Lyoness in their own tongue? A tongue born from Celeslaysian.¡± ¡°You mean, I can speak Elvish?¡± ¡°You would have to accept your gifts to find that out. Long have been the years since any of our order have taken the path to the Meadows of Cranes and the Land of Lions. And yet their invitation remains. That a Sister, with the same gifts as the one who came and spent time with them, will be always welcome. Sisters who appear usually once in a generation. Sisters like you, Alic¨¦.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m not a Sister yet, Your Grace,¡± Alic¨¦ began. ¡°Plus, isn¡¯t there only supposed to be one prophetess a generation. In my case, Meldannon.¡± ¡°True, there¡¯s been one a generation since the Darkristen Wars,¡± said Clareweather, as the pages of the book turned of their own accord. ¡°But sometimes, Creativity has a party. In this case, two. At an earlier point, three. But the presence of you and Elena - within a year of each other - it will not be without purpose.¡± ¡°But I¡¯m leaning towards - the Scriptorium, Your Grace,¡± Alic¨¦ continued. ¡°I like translating books - uncovering things thought lost. And the colours and metals that they use - it makes me want to illuminate letters too.¡± ¡°Sure it¡¯s not a library,¡± Clareweather replied, as the book rose and faced Alic¨¦ with a sketch of a book she recognised in a blink. ¡°With a certain book. About a certain place? Sister Margaret may grant your wish in time and, you could be a blessing there. But, doesn¡¯t a part of you want to see where the Stream takes you? To be a blessing to many rather than a few?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t get - them - anymore,¡± said Alic¨¦, looking away from the sketch of the book with the name Insline. ¡°Not in dreams, anyway. And each time I touch the Stream it gets - stronger.¡± ¡°But you won¡¯t be alone, Alic¨¦. I will help you and so will Elena. Plus, when the time comes, every priory, abbey and library will clamber over each other to offer you a residency.¡± ¡°Sounds like I¡¯ll be a prize.¡± ¡°Elena said the same thing, yesterday. Two caskets of wine, three hampers. A trip to the isles off the coast of Gelervindon. The abbey in Farrislarhne sent me a flock of chickens. Really, Alic¨¦, chickens. And some of their descendants are still at Three Meres Farm and the aviary in Mira-Enness. There are some who believe that having a prophetess on the premises makes the rain clouds go away. But there is far more to it.¡± ¡°I would have to think about it, Your Grace,¡± Alic¨¦ said, glancing through the window at a passing flock of doves. ¡°I know you would welcome me here, but I need some time.¡± ¡°Something needed by most of us in such decisions,¡± said Clareweather, writing on a paper from the pale blue pad. ¡°Including Sister Maria. But remember Alic¨¦, Clarity can come like sunlight through an open door. Or a gentle breeze across a meadow.¡± ¡°My namesake, Your Grace?¡± ¡°The Abbess whose Crozier you found in the cathedral tower. Or did it find you¡­?¡± 10 - Honey Virgo looked across the lake to the scene of Killyria, the four contestants and the latest arrival. ¡°Here we go again. Person from Down-Below goes saucer-eyed at Celestial Maiden.¡± ¡°One¡­¡± Andromeda began. ¡°Two¡­.¡± ¡°Yeowch!¡± ¡°Happens every time,¡± they both chuckled, backing away from the pillars. ¡°Killyria won¡¯t stand for it.¡± ¡°Well, it is understandable,¡± Astraea said from one of the chairs the far side of a round crystal table. ¡°Even at first quarter, some of us would give them a fright.¡± ¡°Why you,¡± Virgo began, twinkling. ¡°Now, now, Astraea,¡± the woman seated on the couch across from her said. ¡°We don¡¯t want to start off on the wrong cluster. This could be awhile.¡± ¡°Well said, Callisto,¡± added Andromeda, as the woman rose and glided to the section of the pillars that Virgo and herself been looking out of. ¡°Ah, so he¡¯s the one from J¨±nichinatsu,¡± she began. ¡°Killyria doesn¡¯t hold back, does she?¡± ¡°Look who¡¯s talking,¡± said Virgo, then saw, not only Andromeda and Astraea but Callisto looking at her as if she had soaked them all with buckets of water. Looking, and in Callisto¡¯s case, accompanied by a low growl. ¡°I think I should¡­ go back to bed¡­.¡± ¡°Nice try,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°If we¡¯re in this, you are too.¡± ¡°Any females, Callisto?¡± Astraea said, stirring a cup of what smelt like warm honey and lavender. ¡°All male,¡± the cream, grey and green swathed Princess replied. ¡°Although two could pass for ladies if Andromeda got her hands on them; three if she put her mind to it. The one she wouldn¡¯t have a chance on looks like one of the deep thinkers from the island with the jewellery, ballads and bonfire kings.¡± ¡°Winswall?¡± Virgo said as Andromeda fixed her amethyst gaze upon Callisto. ¡°That¡¯s the place. Have the javelin-throwers who make steps in walls and the swordsmen who run up the steps and can chop trees in half.¡± ¡°How can I forget,¡± Astraea groaned. ¡°Tried to chop me in half.¡± ¡°This one is far older than he looks. Must be a Hermitorian Lord - and one of high standing.¡± ¡°Shame Brylee - no, Demeter¡¯s not here,¡± said Virgo. ¡°She¡¯d know who he is.¡± ¡°Can always send her a name. Once we have it.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s a retainer from J¨±nichinatsu and a Hermitorian Lord from Winswall,¡± said Astraea. ¡°Red Admiral and Purple Emperor¡­.¡± Virgo looked at Andromeda. ¡°She makes the pieces,¡± Andromeda thought-whispered. ¡°Still don¡¯t know how she does it.¡± ¡°And the other two?¡± Astraea asked. ¡°Well, the first one looks so bright and cheery you¡¯d think the sun had come to join us,¡± Callisto began. ¡°Or did until his fellow contestant got knocked.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Occupation?¡± ¡°Could be anything from a tailor, merchant or multi-town barber. Countrywise, Farrismarrai would be a good candidate. Sunshine, bustling towns; lavender fields and vineyards. That or the Republic next door - Gelervindon.¡± ¡°Farrismarrai will do,¡± said Astraea. ¡°Peacock will apply nicely.¡± ¡°And the final one?¡± said Virgo, glancing at Astraea. ¡°Can¡¯t be¡­¡± Callisto said, stepping back from the pillar. ¡°Merones¨¦?¡± said Andromeda, joining Callisto by the pillar. ¡°That would be a sur-what in Celstaran is this¡­?¡± ¡°Got me curious now,¡± said Virgo, getting up. ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°What is it more like. Face like a pale moon; clothes dark as shadow. Eyes full of youth; yet have seen a hundred winters. Child of those who forsook the Light and accepted that of which the Dark is but a shroud.¡± ¡°A Darkyrie,¡± Astraea exhaled, as Virgo stared at her, then out through the pillars. ¡°Camberwell Beauty with an Executioner¡¯s clock ticking¡­¡± * * * ¡°Ow,¡± Naritsune said, sinking to the ground and rubbing his left shin. ¡°I¡¯ve got guards on and it still hurt.¡± ¡°It¡¯ll hurt a lot more if you don¡¯t stop,¡± Killyria replied. ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of self-restraint?¡± ¡°But you didn¡¯t have to kick me. I could bruise from this.¡± ¡°Better not give you a tap, then,¡± Killyria said, walking over. ¡°Might end up the lake.¡± ¡°Killyria¡­.¡± ¡°I¡¯m withdrawing,¡± Killyria said, retreating to reveal the blue-gowned woman Naritsune had been looking at in the first place. ¡°I can leave them in your hands if you like, Serencia,¡± Killyria added, drawing alongside her. ¡°There is no need for that,¡± Serencia replied, eyes closed. ¡°Breathe instead of kick.¡± ¡°Breathe?¡± Killyria repeated. ¡°Am I in a Calming Class?¡± then noticed Serencia¡¯s eyes were open; a gaze laced with flame. ¡°Message received.¡± ¡°Good,¡± Serencia said, as Naritsune hopped over to a chair next to Kyray. ¡°And now,¡± she added, glancing at the pavilion on the island, ¡°Shall we begin?¡± * * * ¡°I don¡¯t believe this,¡± Callisto said, looking again between the moonstone pillars. ¡°My eyes can¡¯t be lying to me.¡± ¡°Shouraian from the look of him,¡± said Astraea replied, standing next to the table, yet able to see the lakeshore. ¡°They¡¯re the most lunar - or corpse-like - of the lot.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t say I care which Kingdom he¡¯s from,¡± Andromeda growled. ¡°He - it - shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± ¡°Delft blue hair¡¯s unusual though,¡± Astraea continued. ¡°Especially with the blue-violet.¡± ¡°Matches you for the hair,¡± said Virgo. ¡°Or is yours indigo?¡± ¡°In the Celestial Realm,¡± said Callisto. ¡°The abode of Stars. Not Dreary-Weary-Terra-Firma and all that goes with it.¡± ¡°Including Darkyries,¡± Andromeda added. ¡°Who in all the Spheres chose it?¡± ¡°Same one who chose us to be their Patrons,¡± said Astraea. ¡°And remain, patrons, until this comes to an end.¡± ¡°Picked wrong this time,¡± Callisto rumbled, stepping back and glowing. The forward stride was halted; first by Andromeda and then by Astraea; the latter moving almost within a blink. ¡°Let me get it. Let me get it!¡± Callisto growled. ¡°We can¡¯t - let you get it,¡± Andromeda said, hands around Callisto¡¯s wrists. ¡°There won¡¯t - be any of it - left.¡± ¡°But that thing needs to be extinguished.¡± ¡°Not before he¡¯s gone in,¡± Astraea added, adjusting her grip. ¡°He¡¯s a Selected for Celestica¡¯s sake.¡± ¡°Before or after; they all die.¡± ¡°Do you want some honey,¡± Astraea continued. ¡°With some lavender? It¡¯s Virgo who usually gets like this.¡± ¡°Cheers,¡± said Virgo, also upright. ¡°Give the Innocent Bystander a label.¡± ¡°You can help instead of being a Bystander,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°And don¡¯t even get me started about Innocent.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll overlook that,¡± Virgo said, glancing across the lake. ¡°Why don¡¯t you have a pause, Callisto. Serencia is about to start and you can always Go-Ursa afterwards.¡± Callisto stopped and was carried back by Andromeda and Astraea. But from her came a growl like approaching thunder. Like a troop of malevolent bears. ¡°Go... Ursa... Virgo ¡­?¡± 11 - Afresh Naritsune turned to Kyray. ¡°Did you hear - thunder?¡± ¡°Something like that,¡± Kyray began. ¡°But it didn¡¯t seem to come from the clouds.¡± ¡°I thought that too,¡± said Haronsal from the other side of Kyray. ¡°More like a¡­ Hang on, Lady Killyria¡¯s gone.¡± ¡°She¡¯ll be back soon, Mr Bartellan,¡± Serencia said, placing a glass of violet sparkle on a side table. ¡°Something - caught her attention.¡± ¡°Not half,¡± Feldaner coughed from beyond Haronsal. ¡°Vanished so fast I nearly choked on my drink.¡± ¡°In the meantime, we can continue with the who¡¯s who,¡± said Serencia. ¡°We¡¯d just had you, Feldaner, and were on Haronsal, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Haronsal Bartellan, My Lady,¡± Haronsal said, standing up and giving a bow. ¡°And this garden¡¯s fantastic.¡± ¡°Why thank you, Haronsal. Antheia will be pleased. It¡¯s been her dream to make this place a match of the gardens in Insline, and, I do believe it has become a reality.¡± ¡°Insline? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve heard of it.¡± ¡°All in good time,¡± Serencia replied. ¡°So we have Feldaner and Haronsal. And since I already know that Mr Tsukiyama is at the end of the semicircle, that leaves Mr Melendar.¡± ¡°Thank you My Lady, but Kyray is fine,¡± Kyray said, getting up and bowing. ¡°As Naritsune is great for me, My Lady,¡± Naritsune added and bowed. ¡°And Serencia is fine for me too,¡± Serencia replied. ¡°As Killyria has been your guide and host from your realms to this, so I will be your guide from this realm to the next.¡± ¡°Next?¡± Naritsune said, looking at Kyray. ¡°But we thought we¡¯d be going back,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°Didn¡¯t - they say why you are here?¡± Serencia asked. ¡°A prize for winning a tournament,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°A tournament that I still don¡¯t know how I won.¡± ¡°Okay¡­.¡± said Serencia. ¡°What about you, Kyray?¡± ¡°It¡¯s¡­ complicated,¡± Kyray began. ¡°Got that right if you¡¯re here,¡± said Feldaner, then almost flew back over his chair at the sight of Killyria stood in front of him. ¡°My-My Lady,¡± he spluttered. ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± ¡°Just in time by the sound of it,¡± Killyria replied, arms folded. ¡°You can tell Serencia just as you told me, Kyray.¡± Naritsune wasn¡¯t sure, but it was as if a cloud had lifted from Kyray, even as he took a breath. ¡°There are those in Shouriah-Nargactt who wish me ill, My Lady. Ill, since they believe the Dual Crown belongs to another.¡± ¡°You¡¯re - a King?¡± said Haronsal as Naritsune stared. ¡°That would be my Lord Vaeserkiss,¡± said Kyray. ¡°But to end the War of Succession, there was - a duel¡­.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ that explains it,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°There¡¯s no need to say anymore, Kyray,¡± said Serencia, as Killyria stared at Feldaner. ¡°This is the last place they would think to look for you, and I¡¯m sure that your House and King will do their utmost to stop them.¡± ¡°Thank you, My Lady.¡± ¡°Since you like to speak Feldaner, were you enlightened on why you were sent here?¡±The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°The Hermitorian Council believe that clouds gather, My Lady,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°Clouds not seen since the Ruinous Storm. They fear that this time it has the power to not only finish what was started but that One of Night will appear in might not seen since the Sunless Days. Against the Night a Champion of Light must rise, and the Council has selected me to be Winswall¡¯s candidate.¡± ¡°The Council acted wisely,¡± said Serencia. ¡°A small cloud on the horizon can soon become a storm that tears all asunder. And how about you, Haronsal?¡± ¡°Nothing like what Feldaner said,¡± Haronsal began. ¡°In Florenza-May, minding my own business. Sorry - Great Uncle¡¯s business - no immediate successors; Although one or two nieces are circling like birds.¡± ¡°Nephews regarding my Great Aunt,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Me, if you don¡¯t carry on,¡± said Killyria. ¡°Sorry. Took part in a raffle - was to help in the completion of a Dome - but didn¡¯t look at the prize until I saw I¡¯d won. Which was to go to a place of dreams. And that turned out to be here.¡± ¡°Thank you, Haronsal,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Two prizes, a safe haven and would-be champion. What if I were to tell you that this place is only a caravanserai to the destination?¡± ¡°You mean, a roadside inn?¡± said Haronsal. ¡°That¡¯s one way of putting it,¡± Killyria hummed as Kyray and Naritsune looked at each other. ¡°What if the destination is a place so clear that each breath affects your inner self and so beautiful it goes beyond your senses?¡± Serencia continued. ¡°But this - is already pushing my senses,¡± said Naritsune. Even the glass of orange with sparkles that danced along his tongue. ¡°What if even this place is a shadow of the destination? A place that can turn a caterpillar into a butterfly. A carp into a dragon?¡± ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m a fish?¡± said Haronsal. ¡°Better than a caterpillar,¡± Kyray added. ¡°Can be arranged,¡± said Killyria, as all four shrank back. ¡°You start afresh,¡± said Serencia, ¡°Begin anew. All that you have learnt in the Earthly Realm you keep. But to it is added potential. Potential to become an archer. Potential to become a warrior. A knight, lancer; artist or fisher-king. No longer bound to the Earthly Realm, but set free, and only one knows how far you can take it.¡± ¡°Pierce the clouds,¡± said Kyray, looking up at the sky. ¡°Not only pierce but run, dance and jump on them,¡± Killyria replied. ¡°They¡¯re not as far as you think.¡± ¡°So I-we would go to this place as we are,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°And come back - different?¡± ¡°Do you think that you will be the same Haronsal Bartellan after spending a night here?¡± Serencia said. ¡°After seeing a place most can only imagine? So it is with Insline. No one who reaches it is ever the same on their return.¡± ¡°That¡¯s good news,¡± Naritsune exhaled. ¡°People come back.¡± ¡°Yes,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°A friend of mine went and did return. So different, that I didn¡¯t recognise him until we clashed swords¡­.¡± ¡°Oh no,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°I¡¯m not going to go and come back with iridescent hair. I like this very much.¡± ¡°He¡¯d grown,¡± Feldaner continued. ¡°As if he had been a soldier but was now a paladin. A young shepherd, but now one of the highest of kings. I had the edge with swords before he left. It had swung to him on his return.¡± ¡°I suppose it wouldn¡¯t be any harm looking,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°If only,¡± said Killyria. ¡°You¡¯ve got to get there first. And the realms in-between are not a walk in the park.¡± ¡°Knew there¡¯d be a hard bit,¡± Kyray said, leaning back. ¡°How does life measure on your scale?¡± said Killyria. Naritsune and Haronsal looked at each other, and Kyray sat upright. ¡°It would be wrong of us if we didn¡¯t say the truth,¡± Serencia said. ¡°There are people in Outeransei and Incastaran who won¡¯t think twice about ending your lives. Even more so as you are trying to Insline. And the tasks - well - they¡¯re not exactly safe.¡± ¡°But each completed task has a reward,¡± Killyria said. ¡°A reward, or rather is part of the awakening. Plus, one or two things might come in handy.¡± ¡°For whatever drops out of the sky to eat me,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°But you said that you hadn¡¯t been,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°I haven¡¯t. But I can imagine.¡± ¡°Drops, swoops, jumps or pounces. With the existence of our realms at stake, someone¡¯s got to try,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°What?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°You¡¯re going in?¡± added Haronsal. ¡°From the moment I was chosen,¡± Feldaner replied. ¡°But do not let his decision sway you,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Once you¡¯re in Outeransei, you cannot return here. You have to go on until you have reached Insline. Only then will be possible for you to return. And you will - be different.¡± ¡°Take as much time as you need,¡± Killyria added. ¡°I won¡¯t think any less of you for going, Kyray and Naritsune.¡± ¡°Hang on,¡± Naritsune began, as Killyria and Serencia glided towards the causeway that flowed to the island. ¡°Who said we want to go?¡± said Kyray. ¡°And what about me?¡± Haronsal added. ¡°I could decide that I want to stand up to the Night Queens.¡± ¡°Who?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Bedtime stories to frighten the kids.¡± ¡°If only wasn¡¯t Their Finest we¡¯re up against...¡± Feldaner exhaled. 12 - Again Soup. That was what the bowl had contained before Alic¨¦ had finished it. Soup. Chicken and a herb that danced on the tongue; plus a honey-glazed seed bun and a couple of slices of cheese. Cream Barlengil, according to Ileen, with the signature blueberries. With room enough for blackcurrant and raspberry pie with lemon-scented cream. ¡°Enjoy it?¡± Ileen asked from across the table. ¡°Delicious,¡± Alic¨¦ replied, dabbing her mouth with a napkin. ¡°And looks like I wasn¡¯t the only one.¡± ¡°Got that right,¡± said Haysarna, spoon connecting with the plate as she leaned back. ¡°Could have eaten a goose.¡± ¡°Could be dinner,¡± said Ileen, looking at the kitchen. ¡°That or Flame-spice Stew.¡± ¡°Have you got a menu or something,¡± Alic¨¦ said. ¡°You knew that it was soup before we got here.¡± ¡°Day, month, little bit of guesswork. An unnamed friend with connections to the Kitchens¡­.¡± ¡°Whose dream since nursery has been to be a chef,¡± Haysarna said, gathering the empty plates. ¡°Theodora every day of the week.¡± ¡°Good idea about coming here at one rather than noon, Alic¨¦,¡± Ileen stretched. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be able to move.¡± Alic¨¦ looked across the great space known as the Refectory. Usually, the long tables would be full of pupils, sister-to-bes¡¯ and the full sisters on their round tables. But, after one o¡¯clock, things started to die down and there was more room to sit, eat, chat and lounge. ¡°More to do with Linnette,¡± she replied. ¡°Her break is at One.¡± ¡°Noon never concerned you, Ileen,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°Glide in at the head of our line of four; with a gaze that said beware all earthly beings who dare to cross my path.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t blame me for picking tips up from the Mistress,¡± Ilene drawled. ¡°Second daughter of Thune-L¨¦-Ellesmere.¡± ¡°Says the one whose father is a Marshal of Enslet,¡± Haysarna said, flicking back one of her lengths of mahogany hair. ¡°And Heir of the House of Dellamoone, to boot.¡± ¡°Not declared,¡± Ileen whispered, making Alic¨¦ turn. ¡°And I hope it isn¡¯t until the Autumn.¡± ¡°Still able to take part in the Coronation, and other duties besides,¡± Haysarna continued. ¡°There are two gardeners on my mother¡¯s side; plus a pig farmer, labourer, and seasonal shepherd. It¡¯s that-that fortress-abbey that makes Thune-L¨¦ stand out; not what my lot get up to.¡± ¡°Stopping the Count of Arganau in his tracks, with a force half his size, is not a feat to be sniffed at,¡± said Ilene. ¡°Especially when the relief army under a certain Dellamoone was playing pretty-pebbles on the Elles. I still don¡¯t know why they awarded him, Marshal, after the Tia Incident. Hasn¡¯t commanded so much as a flock of geese since.¡± ¡°I know exactly why my father was taken off active service after the Tia Incident,¡± Haysarna added. ¡°Must we do this again?¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°Even with the geese? We know how the Tia Incident didn¡¯t do either of your fathers any good; nearly claimed the Prophetess and the Abbess, I might add. In the lists of Great Captains of Farrismarrai, there is said to be the name of my grandfather. But you don¡¯t hear me talking about him.¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s what I wanted to tell you,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°Dad said that he met him once.¡± ¡°In Ellesmere?¡± ¡°At a presentation in Fir¨¦-Missiliya. Marking the Crossing of the Valentine.¡± ¡°Farrismarrai then,¡± Alic¨¦ exhaled. ¡°I was going to say; he could have visited my Mum and Dad if he was crossing Maysine. When was that?¡± ¡°Two years ago, during the summer holidays,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°Now that I think about it, they picked me up here, and we went over Tislarmene to Lake Valancine in Gelervindon.¡±Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. ¡°I suspect they weren¡¯t celebrating the Crossing in the Republic,¡± said Ileen. ¡°One of their biggest defeats.¡± ¡°I wonder if he was the man with the escort waiting for Dad one morning at the house on Fir¨¦mere,¡± Haysarna continued. ¡°Dressed in black and silver, with sashes of lilac and purple.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Grandfather Mardanhi alright,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°With the twin brooches shaped like lavender. The only piece - along with his sword - that he will ever wear from his time as - The Captain.¡± ¡°My, my,¡± said Ileen. ¡°Carlesta Mardanhi on one side and a Lady of Legend on the other.¡± ¡°But you said that aside from a register in Florengal, none of the Bleu de Ciels¡¯ is in the history books,¡± Haysarna said. ¡°Unlike the Dellamoones.¡± ¡°Or the L¨¦-Don Elles¡¯,¡± Ileen added. ¡°Not this again,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°It¡¯s too unusual to be a coincidence,¡± Ilene continued. ¡°Take off the first bit and the names match.¡± ¡°What names?¡± a voice asked, coupled with a descending tray. ¡°Goodness,¡± Alic¨¦ said, getting back into her chair as Ilene got back into hers and Haysarna put her hands back on the table. ¡°You¡¯re like an owl over the fields, Linnette. Don¡¯t hear the swoop.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve got lunch, thanks,¡± Linnette replied, sitting down and slicing a bun. ¡°Soup taste as great as it smells?¡± ¡°Emptied the bowl,¡± Haysarna said, picking up the plates and cutlery. ¡°I¡¯ve heard this bit before, so Ilene would have put forward her case by the time I¡¯m back.¡± ¡°Hmm, Barrister,¡± Ileen said. ¡°Never thought of that.¡± ¡°Not another one of your theories,¡± said Linnette. ¡°I¡¯ve only just got my head round a person sneezing in Ennesmir causing a gale the far side of Farrislarhne.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a case of coincidence,¡± said Alic¨¦, looking at Ileen. ¡°Like Haysarna¡¯s sister¡¯s first name and your surname both being Kaysarna.¡± ¡°Stems back to an ancestor who didn¡¯t like the original Kaysarndra,¡± said Linnette between spoons of soup. ¡°From Katrina¡¯s neck of the woods: St. Elless-Tonsgal.¡± ¡°Her family was said to have died out years ago, and the surname has not been used - even as a first name - since,¡± Ileen continued. ¡°Who¡¯s Her?¡± ¡°Naythune.¡± ¡°The Prioress-Prophetess?¡± Linnette repeated as Alic¨¦¡¯s head touched the table. ¡°You¡¯d better have a good one for this.¡± ¡°She¡¯s in Alic¨¦¡¯s full title.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not asking me to recite that - sorry Alic¨¦,¡± Linnette said between another spoonful. ¡°Plus, it¡¯s not full abbey knowledge.¡± ¡°Tell her which part of the sequence,¡± Haysarna said, sitting down. ¡°There¡¯s four but might as well be five.¡± ¡°The second one,¡± Ilene said. ¡°Haymarlen Lia-Naythune.¡± Alic¨¦ slouched back in her chair while Linnette looked at Ileen. ¡°Don¡¯t you see?¡± Ileen growled, ¡°If you remove Lia, what are you left with?¡± ¡°Part of her middle names,¡± Linnette said, taking another spoonful of soup. ¡°But no one uses it in Maysine-Enslet out of respect for what she did. Now her first name - Electra - I would have expected to find that there.¡± ¡°Lia¡¯s Farrismarrian. And didn¡¯t you both sides of your family get involved in the names, Alic¨¦?¡± ¡°Oh yes,¡± said Alic¨¦, staring ahead. ¡°Including Grandmother Mardanhi. She had always had a name in mind for a daughter or granddaughter who would go into the order. So when I came here, I received Lia-de - no - I mean Lia-Naythune.¡± ¡°Lia - de - Naythune,¡± Ileen said. ¡°This is new¡­.¡± ¡°I told you, I said the other bit wrong,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°You need to find out what Lia means in Farrismarrian, Ileen,¡± said Linnette. ¡°Although it doesn¡¯t matter, as it¡¯s quite clear Alic¨¦¡¯s grandmother gave her the name in honour of the Prioress. A Prioress-Prophetess of the same Order her granddaughter was going to enter.¡± ¡°If I hadn¡¯t heard a second word, I now need to find the meaning of,¡± said Ileen. ¡°You¡¯re reading way too much into this,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°I can understand it from Alic¨¦ about Ins-what¡¯s-it but-¡± ¡°Or you about whether Tarenzal could be your cousin,¡± Alic¨¦ replied, then saw Haysarna, Ileen and Linnette all looking at her. ¡°I thought it was common knowledge.¡± ¡°News-news-News to me,¡± said Ileen, turning to Haysarna. ¡°¡­ Claudia?¡± Linnette said, putting a hand to her mouth. ¡°Critswitch¡¯s Left-tenant? No way¡­.¡± ¡°On my mother¡¯s side,¡± Haysarna sighed. ¡°The Avrilarianne connection no-one speaks about.¡± ¡°Does she know?¡± ¡°Would explain one or two things.¡± ¡°Including how mad she got when I once mistook her for you,¡± Alic¨¦ chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ve never had golden hair.¡± ¡°But you both have that same look,¡± Ileen added. ¡°An eagle sat with a bunch of ducks.¡± ¡°That¡¯s you when we walked in here,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°I¡¯ll let that one pass,¡± Ileen continued. ¡°But I do have another question.¡± 13 - Matter ¡°Here we go,¡± Linnette said, finishing her soup as Alic¨¦ and Haysarna both sighed. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to become a Questioner rather than a Gardener?¡± ¡°This one¡¯s for you, curiously enough.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s about the soup, it was delicious.¡± ¡°What I don¡¯t get is the entire time we¡¯ve been here - Critswitch has never tried anything with you, Sister Belvarion.¡± ¡°Sister-to-be Belvarion,¡± said Linnette. ¡°Just like you.¡± ¡°Thought that was what drew us together,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°Even Katrina.¡± ¡°I thought so too,¡± said Ileen. ¡°But when I came to you, Linnette, I couldn¡¯t think of an instance.¡± ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re trying to start one now,¡± said Alic¨¦. Not so much the blaze of the fight; but the aftermath when her scriptorium application could be put in jeopardy. ¡°Our paths rarely cross,¡± Linnette replied, moving onto her apple pie and cream pudding. ¡°Claudia¡¯s perhaps, but not Catherine.¡± ¡°Not so much as a growl? Even from Claude?¡± ¡°That will set Tarenzal off,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°Has a ring to it though,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°Cousin Claude.¡± ¡°Second Cousin if you want to be exact.¡± ¡°Did you pay her?¡± said Ileen, as Alic¨¦ put a hand to her mouth. ¡°No,¡± said Linnette between spoons. ¡°Help her with dorm work.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t really speak.¡± ¡°Same here,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°It¡¯s more - glances and gestures.¡± ¡°Before the nearest Sister catches you,¡± Haysarna yawned. ¡°Did something happen, Linn?¡± Ileen continued. ¡°You can tell us.¡± Spoon with pie section stopped in midair as Linnette looked at Ileen. ¡°¡­ Did you¡­ just call me¡­ Linn?¡± ¡°Well, I can¡¯t say Bel. You¡¯d burn a cottage.¡± ¡°Like if I said Leen?¡± Alic¨¦ asked. ¡°You know better than that,¡± said Ileen. ¡°As do you, Ileena,¡± said Linnette, spoon and pudding piece returning to the plate. ¡°Are you trying to set everyone off today, Ileen,¡± said Haysarna. ¡°It¡¯s like a storm came and rained on your party.¡± ¡°Curiosity. Why Linn?¡± ¡°Say it again and you might get an answer,¡± Linnette said, moving ever so slightly back. ¡°Oh, no you don¡¯t Linn,¡± said Ileen. ¡°No shrouds or banks of fog. The truth. All of-aargh!¡± Alic¨¦ shook her head. One moment, Linnette was beside her. The next, the chair was empty and Ileen was no longer in the space next to Haysarna. ¡°Arrgh!¡± Ileen¡¯s voice came from beyond the table edge and a wide-eyed Haysarna. ¡°Get - off me!¡± Not enough time to run to the end of the long table; or dive underneath. Instead, Alic¨¦ clambered across the top - just missing Linnette¡¯s pudding - and saw Linnette on top of Ilene and shaking her up and down by her robe front. ¡°You want to know why Critswitch doesn¡¯t try it with me?¡± Linnette said between shakes. ¡°This is why!¡±Stolen story; please report. ¡°S-s-she-called-you-th-th-aat?¡± Ileen managed to say. ¡°Fourth day on the first term. The following week because she wanted a rematch. Settled once and for all!¡± ¡°Come on, Linnette, point proved,¡± said Alic¨¦ trying to grab hold of one of her wrists. ¡°People - are watching-¡± ¡°Like that ever bothered her,¡± Linnette said, side-barging into Alic¨¦. ¡°She loves it.¡± ¡°She might, but we don¡¯t,¡± said Haysarna, making a wrist attempt of her own. ¡°Think of the patients.¡± Linnette stopped, just as a hands and knees Alic¨¦ surged forward, knocking her into Haysarna. A cry escaped from the latter, but Alic¨¦ didn¡¯t have time to see what the problem was for the next moment Linnette rebounded into her. A rebound accompanied by bursting stars as Alic¨¦ crashed onto the floor. ¡°Why me¡­¡± a voice moaned in her head. ¡°What did I do to deserve this.¡± ¡°P-Plenty, you overbearing, unrelenting, inconsiderate Little Miss Perfect¡­¡± a second coughed. ¡°Oww¡­¡± a third - no, her own voice came as Alic¨¦ held the side of her head in one hand and tried to bring the other towards her forehead. ¡°Not another bruise¡­¡± ¡°Probably add a headache,¡± a fourth said from beyond the star-speckles. ¡°Is that you¡­ Haysarna?¡± Alic¨¦ squinted to stop the spinning. ¡°But you went sideways¡­.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not Haysarna,¡± the voice said, coupled with a primrose haired and fair face that was all too familiar. ¡°Can¡¯t¡­ be¡­¡± Alic¨¦ said, turning to one side. ¡°Can be,¡± said Elena, moving back into Alic¨¦¡¯s vision. ¡°Having a spot of lunch and what do I see before me? Sister-to-be Belvarion shaking the daylights out Sister-to-be Dellamoone.¡± ¡°A thousand - apologies, My Lady,¡± Linnette said, trying to roll onto her hands and knees. ¡°It was a slight matter - that got out of hand.¡± ¡°Would you like to say something, Dellamoone?¡± ¡°A bit of a - disagreement, Miss-no My Lady,¡± Ileen replied, up on one side. ¡°I went - too far.¡± ¡°You said it,¡± said Elena, raising a hand at not one, but two approaching sisters. ¡°Fighting on Abbey grounds; disturbance of the Peace. That¡¯s a week¡¯s instruction under Sister Martinet.¡± Alic¨¦ wasn¡¯t the only one who gasped. No one in their right mind wanted to do an afternoon¡¯s instruction with the Martial Sister, let alone a week. Trench-digging, weed-clearing and manure-heaping. Too much to think about, even if it was at Three Meres¡¯ Farm. ¡°Should be a week,¡± Elena continued. ¡°But, I have other matters to attend to than tarnishing exemplary records. Think of the other person before you speak, Dellamoone, and do you really want to put one of your friends in the Infirmary, Belvarion?¡± Linnette and Ileen both nodded. ¡°Let me hear only of peace between the four of you for the rest of the term,¡± Elena said, spinning on her heel and walking - no gliding away. ¡°Thank you, My Lady,¡± Ileen added, helping Haysarna to her feet, whilst Linnette checked the back of the latter¡¯s head for any signs of bruising. Alic¨¦ managed to get onto her hands and knees, but closed her eyes for a few moments, waiting for the swaying to recede. ¡°Bleu de Ciel?¡± She opened her eyes again. The prophetess was at the end of the table. At the end and looking at her as if she had spoken. ¡°Think she wants you,¡± whispered Linnette. ¡°Can¡¯t imagine why,¡± Alic¨¦ groaned, getting to her feet. Of course, Meldannon wasn¡¯t going to let them off so easily. She was a Prophetess, after all. Ladies of Justice in all but name. ¡°The matter¡¯s closed,¡± Elena began, that - non-moving lips way of her¡¯s. ¡°But another exists between us.¡± ¡°Enlighten me,¡± Alic¨¦ said aloud. ¡°The same matter that brought you to the cathedral tower four days ago.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know what I was looking for.¡± ¡°High, far and wide for a dream?¡± Alic¨¦¡¯s hand went to her mouth as a faint smile flickered across Elena¡¯s lips. ¡°If you are - prepared - to use that which you deny; I have a test.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve just said that you were busy.¡± ¡°Midnight. The Cathedral Nave. Without a circus.¡± ¡°If I decide to,¡± said Alic¨¦, but Elena was gliding away. ¡°Decide what?¡± Ileen asked from further up the aisle. ¡°I¡¯m wasting my life denying who, or what, I am,¡± Alic¨¦ began, heading back. ¡°And I should make a decision for the better.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t say that I disagree on that.¡± ¡°As long as that¡¯s all it was,¡± Linnette gathering her tableware. ¡°Don¡¯t think that I can finish my pudding.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t think that we should stick around here either,¡± said Haysarna, rising and wincing from another chair. ¡°One or two are still looking.¡± ¡°Good idea,¡± said Alic¨¦. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a hand, Linnette. Meet you two on the corridor?¡± ¡°Like I¡¯m going to run,¡± said Ileen. ¡°Things are still - moving.¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t you who knocked heads,¡± said Haysarna, following her. ¡°You can all go with me to the Infirmary,¡± Linnette added. ¡°Or schedule an after-hours appointment.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see how it goes,¡± said Alic¨¦, glancing at Elena slipping through the doorway. One meeting with the First Prophetess and a test with the Second. Enough, along with the collision, to make her head re-spin. 14 - Minds Killyria looked at the four sparkling butterflies perched on the table. ¡°My, my,¡± she hummed. ¡°You¡¯ve outdone yourself, Astraea.¡± ¡°Last set were better,¡± Astraea replied from her couch. ¡°Brimstone and Blue livened things up.¡± ¡°Which represents which?¡± ¡°Well, the Vanessa atalanta is the star-eyed chap from J¨±nichinatsu.¡± ¡°Vanessa?¡± ¡°Red Admiral,¡± Andromeda replied, as the jet butterfly with red bands and white spots fluttered across the table. ¡°She knows their other names.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t the other one more - red,¡± Killyria continued, pointing to a second butterfly. ¡°Except for the eyes.¡± ¡°The reason why Inachis - no Aglais io - is called Peacock,¡± Astraea yawned as the second butterfly flapped its wings. Scarlet wing with pale blue and purple spots reminiscent of a peacock¡¯s tail spray. ¡°Matches the colour of the mortal from Farrismarrai¡¯s bonnet.¡± ¡°But then the Hermitory Lord¡¯s robes echo the butterfly,¡± Serencia said from next to Andromeda. ¡°Which makes me think that he could easily be the Aptura rather than Nymphalis.¡± The third butterfly fluttered across the table; black-winged with white spots. Yet, upon each wingbeat, its wings would flash iridescent purple. Yet, even as it landed, the fourth was in mid-flight; dark reddish-purple, rather than black; with wing edges the colour of warm cream. ¡°You would be right,¡± said Astraea. ¡°Aptura iris or Purple Emperor for the Hermitory Lord; Camberwell Beauty or Nymphalis antiopa for the one who has so, so few moments¡­.¡± ¡°You wouldn¡¯t¡­¡± Killyria said. ¡°Callisto would,¡± sang Virgo. ¡°After we¡¯ve finished,¡± Callisto growled. ¡°You or I might not need to,¡± said Astraea. Killyria and Serencia looked at her. ¡°He¡¯s got problems at home, hasn¡¯t he? Would rather go back and deal with them than walk into not the friendliest of places.¡± ¡°What if he can¡¯t?¡± said Serencia. ¡°That lot in Outeransei, or Middleladernia, will kill him as soon as look at him. An end that will befall the other three; although the Hermitorian Lord looks as if he can handle himself.¡± ¡°I should think so,¡± Killyria said. ¡°Being the close friend of your finest champion. One you treated with disregard until the caterpillar became the butterfly.¡± ¡°More Virgo¡¯s territory, Killyria. Couldn¡¯t help herself laughing every time that she saw her Selected.¡± ¡°Who gave yours a lesson in manners and swordplay he never forgot,¡± Virgo yawned. ¡°But then, asteroids don¡¯t fight back.¡± ¡°But could you take a hit from one,¡± Astraea said, getting to her feet. ¡°Not now, you two,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°We don¡¯t know if any of the others apart from the Hermitorian going to agree; let alone who gets what.¡± ¡°¡­ Serencia does,¡± Virgo almost sang. Killyria joined Astraea, Virgo and the others in gazing at Serencia; as if she had won the prize, they had all wanted. ¡°You - already know - Serencia?¡± said Andromeda. ¡°Course she does,¡± said Virgo. ¡°Knows when the gatherings are due to happen; plus who the poor unfortunates are. Probably has an idea on whether they¡¯ll wimp out or walk in and get killed, dressed or eaten by the first person they meet.¡± ¡°Dressed?¡± Callisto repeated. ¡°It¡¯s not a boutique.¡± ¡°I believe time¡¯s up,¡± Serencia said, standing up. ¡°Ready, Killyria?¡± ¡°Oh, no you¡¯re not, Miss Warm Hearth,¡± said Astraea, getting to her feet. ¡°You can tell us who¡¯s got-¡± Astraea joined Callisto and Andromeda in looking at a section of air where Serencia and Killyria had been standing or sitting. ¡°Why that-¡± ¡°Forget it, Astraea,¡± Virgo drawled. ¡°We¡¯ll soon find out which of them are mad enough to take this on. Who knows, one or two could back out; meaning one or two of us can return to our beauty sleep.¡±The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. * * * Naritsune watched Haronsal walk out from under the shade of a turquoise green-leaved tree. Walk, stop, then flow into a spin. ¡°Whoopee!¡± he cried, dropping into a cartwheel. ¡°This is fun!¡± ¡°So out there¡­¡± Naritsune said. Not at all like the full-to-the-brim that had been in his mind since Killyria and Serencia had left. In fact, he had had to go and sit down in a spot in the meadow for some space; although he spent most of it laid back and watching the clouds sail overhead. Or Feldaner, as he had picked his way to a line of trees shaped like elegant, sky-reaching pillars, then sat down. Not to mention Kyray, who had started by the lakeshore but had gone to a section of meadow between Feldaner and Naritsune and could very well be asleep¡­ Trouble was, unlike either of them, Naritsune had not taken a drink with him from the table. And, despite the calming effect of the clouds, the thought of a sparkling fusion of apple and blackcurrant had grown stronger by the moment. Besides, the decision had condensed whilst he had been looking at the other worlds peeking out beyond the blue. Watching a swallow sweep over the flowers, he got up and began the return; noting that Feldaner was no longer by the line of trees but walking past an upright Kyray. ¡°They don¡¯t get on, do they?¡± a voice said to his left. ¡°Wha-¡± Naritsune said, flinging himself to his right and turning to see Haronsal. ¡°Y-you were cartwheeling before.¡± ¡°Got dizzy,¡± Haronsal replied, wiping his head with a handkerchief. ¡°Needed a sit-down, but then saw you were nearby.¡± ¡°Not surprised if you cartwheeled all the way here. You were by that tree a moment ago.¡± ¡°Really? Thought it was more like five. I did run for a bit to stop the spell.¡± Naritsune turned from looking at the other pair. Had to be talking to each other. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that make you worse?¡± ¡°Usually, but it seemed to make everything float away. As if I were - flying.¡± Not like a second swallow, sweeping and curving over the grass after goodness knows what, Naritsune thought. Dizzy would only be the start if Haronsal had done anything like that. ¡°Oh no,¡± Haronsal said. ¡°He¡¯s got up.¡± Naritsune looked across. Sure enough, Kyray was standing whilst Feldaner looked as if he was going to strike with his staff. ¡°He¡¯s not supposed to speak to any of us whilst we¡¯re deciding. History or not.¡± ¡°History?¡± ¡°Kyray¡¯s a-¡± ¡°Thank Riss,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°Lady Killyria¡¯s appeared between them.¡± ¡°Good timing,¡± said Naritsune as Feldaner fell onto the grass as Killyria walked forward. ¡°I think I¡¯ve learnt my - lesson.¡± ¡°She¡¯s not the only one who¡¯s back,¡± Haronsal continued. ¡°Lady Serencia is at the chairs.¡± ¡°Hope there¡¯s time for a drink,¡± said Naritsune, breaking into a jog. ¡°Might be if we get there before them,¡± Haronsal added. Kyray was making his way back as the jog turned into a run. But Killyria was still talking to Feldaner, so there was still some leeway. ¡°There¡¯s no need to run,¡± Serencia said, getting to her feet. ¡°We¡¯re not going to start till the others get back.¡± ¡°That - was the - idea, My Lady,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Needed a-¡± was that a full glass of sparkling apple and black currant? ¡°Pear and blossom,¡± Haronsal wheezed as he sat down and looked at the drink on his side table. ¡°My favourite.¡± ¡°Thought you would need a drink after that,¡± Serencia said, two more glasses appearing on the side tables next to Kyray¡¯s and Feldaner¡¯s chairs. ¡°Thank you,¡± Naritsune said, before taking a sip and the thirst being washed away. ¡°I forgot to bring a drink with me when I went away to think.¡± ¡°Understandable considering the circumstances. It¡¯s a big decision.¡± ¡°Quite,¡± said Killyria, appearing next to Serencia as Kyray popped up behind his chair and a startled Feldaner the far side of his. ¡°B-but you were - just-¡± Haronsal spluttered. ¡°No point dawdling when you¡¯ve made your minds up,¡± Killyria continued, sitting down. ¡°Kyray was on his back and Mr Lonshore has been ready from the moment he arrived here.¡± ¡°Well, since you are all back and we already know Feldaner¡¯s decision. What are yours, Kyray, Naritsune and Haronsal?¡± Serencia asked. Naritsune looked at Kyray, who leaned back as if he were inviting him to speak. Haronsal was emptying his glass so¡­ ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± he said. ¡°Go to Outer-what¡¯s-it and then Insbeen.¡± ¡°Insline,¡± said Serencia. ¡°As a Selected?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°My,¡± said Killyria as Feldaner nodded. ¡°I am surprised.¡± ¡°Thank you, Naritsune,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Either of you can speak, Haronsal and Kyray.¡± ¡°I¡¯d be mad,¡± said Haronsal as Feldaner nodded as if he knew, but stopped upon the sight of Killyria looking at him. ¡°I won a raffle, not a tournament; and this Insline place seems to be suited for head-bashing soldiers and tin-pot militia.¡± ¡°Got to get there first,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°But then I¡¯ve always wanted to hold a greatsword and cut trees in half so I¡¯m in.¡± ¡°What on earth are you going to do in there?¡± Feldaner said, as Killyria¡¯s mouth opened and Serencia stared. ¡°It¡¯s not a party.¡± ¡°Surely there are greatswords in Farrismarrai,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°And why have you got it in for trees?¡± ¡°I meant giants. Big folk. Trolls.¡± ¡°Might need to go elsewhere for trolls, Haronsal,¡± said Killyria. ¡°But there are - ¡®Big folk¡¯.¡± ¡°That leaves you, Kyray,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Let not the decisions of the others sway you.¡± ¡°Quite right,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°Our paths can always cross on my return.¡± ¡°If you return,¡± Killyria yawned. ¡°Only you can make it,¡± Serencia continued. ¡°To stay; or to go.¡± Kyray took a long breath. A long breath with closed eyes. Naritsune rubbed his own eyes. The Elf didn¡¯t seem as pale as before. As if the air, or drink, had brought a flush of warmth. The next moment the blue-violet eyes were open. Clear and firm as, with the outward breath, came an answer. 15 - Celeste ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Eh..?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°What¡­?¡± Feldaner gasped, dropping his crook. ¡°WHAT?!¡± a voice erupted from the direction of the pavilion, followed by a cloud. ¡°Great news!¡± Haronsal applauded. ¡°All four of us are going.¡± ¡°Not by the sound of whoever is over there,¡± Naritsune said. That definitely wasn¡¯t thunder; more like a displeased leopard or bear. ¡°Are you sure, Kyray,¡± said Serencia. ¡°As a Selected?¡± ¡°Yes, My Lady,¡± Kyray replied as Feldaner picked up his crook. ¡°As a - Selected.¡± ¡°Choice accepted,¡± Serencia said. ¡°All four of you are now Selected. Now we can move onto the subject of Celestes.¡± Naritsune looked at Haronsal, then at an equally blank Kyray. ¡°How about patrons,¡± said Killyria, glancing at Serencia. ¡°More or less the same thing.¡± ¡°But patrons support artists,¡± Haronsal began. ¡°I haven¡¯t sketched for months.¡± ¡°Up here they support those who choose to go to Outeransei,¡± Serencia explained. ¡°Say hello first thing in the morning; give details on the daily task.¡± ¡°You mean, they come with us?¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Now that would be too easy, wouldn¡¯t it,¡± said Killyria. ¡°Stand back while they do all the work.¡± ¡°The Celestes - no patrons - are based here, but will be able to communicate with you in Outeransei,¡± Serencia said. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it will become clear once you arrive.¡± ¡°Hands-free,¡± Killyria added. ¡°Or a communicative hat if you wish.¡± ¡°Ah, I get it,¡± said Haronsal. ¡°Speaking and listening crystals. They¡¯ve had them in Farrismarrai since-¡± ¡°It was a bonfire,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°And the people had to flee to Maysine or Gelervindon. Compliments of his infamous ancestor.¡± ¡°That incident lies at the door of a certain Koukarin the Fireblade,¡± Kyray replied. ¡°As dangerous an enemy to Shouriah-Nargactt as my ancestor seems to have been to you.¡± ¡°My, how restraint is a virtue one or two need more of,¡± Killyria said, focusing on Feldaner, who seemed to shrink. ¡°But before you arrive in Outeransei,¡± Serencia began. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know the names of your patrons?¡± * * * ¡°Thank Sparkles for that,¡± said Andromeda, looking around a pillar. ¡°I thought she wanted us to pop over there.¡± ¡°One or two wouldn¡¯t mind,¡± Virgo chuckled, glancing at the quiet forms of Astraea and Callisto. ¡°But then, it would be three going to Outeransei since one would be ashes or dinner dependent on who got to him first.¡± ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting all four of them to go ahead. Especially the Darkyrie.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t improve the selection box, even with him attending. The Hermitory Lord doesn¡¯t seem a pleasant option and the happy merchant - can¡¯t even go there.¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being cheerful?¡± ¡°Moonshine-Lunaria-Lengal crazy, that¡¯s what,¡± said Virgo. ¡°Mr Tsukiyama will be fine for me. Seems a lot more stable since Killyria chastised him.¡± ¡°Sky¡¯s going dark,¡± Andromeda said, looking up. ¡°Here we go¡­.¡± * * * ¡°What¡¯s going on,¡± said Haronsal as everything dimmed. ¡°Change of scenery,¡± said Killyria, a silver-white moon rising above the horizon. ¡°Look, you can the planets.¡± ¡°But how - did you do that?¡± asked Naritsune, looking at the moon. ¡°Might want to ask Serencia about that. One of her gifts, as you would call it.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never seen the stars look so sharp,¡± said Feldaner, looking up. ¡°You can pick out the colours.¡±Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. ¡°One benefit of a fresh perspective,¡± said Serencia, hair and garments twinkling by star, moon and her own light. ¡°Some of the comets could give lessons in colour schemes for interior, or rather stellar, design.¡± Naritsune, Haronsal and Kyray all looked at her. ¡°May as well tell them folk live on the moons,¡± said Killyria. ¡°Even the blue one that¡¯s around in the day?¡± Haronsal said. ¡°I¡¯d so love to-¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t say to windsurf or eat some blue cheese,¡± Naritsune sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve heard all the stories.¡± ¡°A new one for me,¡± said Kyray, eyebrows raised. ¡°I don¡¯t need to go into constellations, do I?¡± Serencia continued. ¡°Are things that bad in schools, nowadays,¡± Feldaner began. ¡°I know what that one is,¡± Haronsal replied, pointing up. ¡°Pegasus, the Flying Horse. Although, it looks like an enormous square to me.¡± ¡°Looks like it¡¯s upside down,¡± said Naritsune, looking at the stars that formed a great square. ¡°Especially with the two legs and the shape of the head and - it¡¯s glowing.¡± ¡°And got lines running between the dots,¡± Haronsal pointed. ¡°I¡¯m sure that I had a book where you could join up the dots and make shapes,¡± said Feldaner, as the lines glowed a delicate blue. ¡°There¡¯s a great big page in the sky, now,¡± said Kyray. ¡°Hang on,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Why aren¡¯t they glowing?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t they all glowing,¡± said Killyria. ¡°The stars that make up the horse¡¯s back legs and the corner of the square which joins them.¡± Feldaner burst into laughter as Killyria chuckled. ¡°Might not want to say that too loudly, Naritsune,¡± Serencia whispered. ¡°A certain Celeste might take issue with that.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s called Andromeda,¡± said Kyray, as the two lines of stars that joined at the upper left corner of the square, grew brighter. ¡°The star in the square where the lines join is the constellation¡¯s main one: Alpheratz.¡± ¡°Well put, Kyray,¡± said Killyria. ¡°Better than the Back Legs,¡± Feldaner said, holding his side. ¡°Sounds like a play hors-¡± then stopped as thunder or a growl seemed to erupt from the far side of the lake. ¡°She is Andromeda,¡± said Killyria. ¡°The Celestial Princess, and her constellation. And, so it happens, is one of your patrons.¡± Haronsal put a hand to his mouth while Naritsune stared at the collection of stars shaped like a horizontal ¡®V¡¯. ¡°One of four,¡± Serencia added. ¡°Astraea, Princess of Divine Justice,¡± as a constellation shaped like a person with Sword and Scales glowed pale green. ¡°Callisto, Princess of the Seven Stars,¡± as a second constellation gleamed stellar lemon. ¡°And finally Virgo, Princess of the Equatorial Procession,¡± as a third constellation, that looked as if it were in the midst of a swim, shone a delicate blue. ¡°But they¡¯re,¡± Haronsal gasped whilst Naritsune and Kyray sat down. ¡°They¡¯re¡­.¡± ¡°Constellations, and yet people?¡± Killyria began. ¡°Tell me about it.¡± ¡°What you¡¯re looking up at is each of their realms,¡± said Serencia. " And everything that comes with it. After all, they are Princesses.¡± ¡°Celestial Princesses,¡± Killyria said, twinkling with starlight. ¡°And, if you look at the back of your left or right hands, there you will find the star and colour of your chosen patron.¡± * * * ¡°Is this necessary,¡± Astraea said, fist pounding the table. ¡°Just tell them, Serencia.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t believe this,¡± Andromeda added, swatting one of the airborne butterflies back toward Astraea. ¡°The - nerve of it.¡± ¡°What can you mean, Andromeda?¡± Virgo tried to speak with a straight face. ¡°You haven¡¯t just been called the hind legs of a flying horse.¡± ¡°Could be worse,¡± Callisto giggled. ¡°Could have called you the back end of a panto horse.¡± ¡°Best - thing - I¡¯ve heard in ages,¡± Virgo chuckled, almost in tears. ¡°I¡¯m not laughing,¡± Andromeda said. ¡°I would,¡± Astraea began. ¡°But we¡¯re about to get some clarification.¡± ¡°On Andromeda¡¯s stellar equine connection,¡± said Virgo. ¡°Bring it on.¡± * * * Haronsal raised his hand; upon the back of which gleamed a lemon star. ¡°Yellow. The star¡¯s yellow; like the constellation that has a tail.¡± ¡°One way of putting it,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Callisto, Princess of the Seven Stars, is your patron, Haronsal.¡± ¡°Whatever you do, don¡¯t mention anything - bear-related,¡± Killyria added. ¡°Unless you have a genuine interest in them.¡± ¡°Bear?¡± Haronsal began. ¡°The Seven Stars are what some call the Plough,¡± Feldaner whispered, tilting his hand toward the skylights. ¡°The Plough that is part of the Great - Bear.¡± ¡°W-w-what?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t - say it,¡± Killyria said, hand raised. ¡°Are they - supposed to keep changing like this,¡± asked Naritsune, looking at the back of his hand. ¡°It¡¯s like a rainbow.¡± ¡°Same here,¡± said Kyray. ¡°And me,¡± added Feldaner. ¡°That doesn¡¯t usually happen,¡± Serencia said, glancing at Killyria. ¡°At least not for a milen-¡± Naritsune checked his hand. ¡°It¡¯s stopped.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the colour?¡± asked Haronsal. ¡°Oh no,¡± he said as the star flashed mint green, then delicate blue. ¡°It¡¯s changed again.¡± ¡°Mine¡¯s stayed on green if that helps,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°Like the constellation with the sword and scales.¡± ¡°Which means you are the Knight-Errant of the Princess of Divine Justice,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Astraea Celeste.¡± ¡°Who does not tolerate fools, or those guided by internal flames,¡± Killyria added. ¡°This has stopped too,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°White, like the constellation shaped like a tipped - what was that?¡± He couldn¡¯t have been seeing things. Had that been a flash of light in the pavilion? ¡°Sounds like Andromeda is your patron, Naritsune,¡± said Killyria. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mention any sort of Pegasus link. Now, or after.¡± ¡°Which means that the Celestial Maiden is your patron, Kyray,¡± Serencia said. ¡°Virgo Celeste.¡± ¡°Noooo!!!¡± Naritsune had to put his hands over his ears, as Kyray and Feldaner shook and Haronsal squeaked. Killyria seemed to brighten then vanished as screams and yells came from the - Pavillion. ¡°Who¡¯s - in - there?¡± said Kyray. ¡°Don¡¯t think that I want to find - out,¡± moaned Haronsal. 16 - Berries ¡°Calm down, Virgo,¡± said Callisto, barring her way. ¡°You can¡¯t do that. It¡¯s not right.¡± ¡°Not right?¡± Virgo repeated, trying to surge past her, but finding Killyria there too. ¡°You were going to kill it before.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no point if he¡¯s going in,¡± Callisto continued, waves rebounding from Virgo¡¯s surge into Killyria and herself. ¡°He/it¡¯ll be toast in a day or two.¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to make someone toast,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°So well-done you have to scrape with a knife.¡± ¡°At least yours isn¡¯t one of - them,¡± Virgo replied. ¡°Knock some sense into him or give him a fright.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t listen to her,¡± said Killyria, trying with Callisto to push Virgo back. ¡°I¡¯ve already warned him not to mention Pegasus.¡± ¡°Something you¡¯ve just done,¡± Astraea drawled, peacock butterfly perched on her hand. ¡°This is like a bunch of bouncing asteroids.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll send you up to them when I¡¯ve finished with that outside,¡± Virgo replied, stepping back from the pair. ¡°Last warning you two.¡± ¡°Warning?¡± Andromeda repeated, stepping back from the table and the air beginning to shift. ¡°That means he hasn¡¯t learnt his lesson¡­.¡± ¡°No-Androm-¡± Killyria began, then saw the Princess burst into flight for the opposite pillars of the pavilion. ¡°On it,¡± Callisto said, also launching and reaching the gap a moment before Andromeda, but still ending up being carried with her outside. ¡°Just One,¡± said Virgo, as Killyria turned back, but saw her in flight for another space halfway round. ¡°Make that Two,¡± said Astraea, appearing in front of the space, arms spread. ¡°No need for Three,¡± Virgo replied, catching Astraea in an oncoming tackle flying across the lake. ¡°It¡¯s on.¡± * * * ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Serencia cried. Naritsune saw Haronsal and Feldaner spring away in opposite directions: the former like a ballet dancer; the other like a cat. Glancing at the lake, he spied two shimmering forms rocketing towards him. So fast there wouldn¡¯t be any time to-. One blink and everything seemed to slow. The shimmer was almost on him, but he was - airborne and - moving away from the snail-gliding pair. Hands unbidden seemed to reach towards them, rather than whoever had him by the waist. Then, with another blink, the dual comet was replaced by greenery as he bounced or rolled over what wasn¡¯t a flower carpet. A carpet in which lay a figure in clothes as dark as their face was light. ¡°Kyray, Naritsune,¡± Serencia¡¯s voice came along with rapid foot beats. ¡°Are you both alright?¡± ¡°I-I think so,¡± Naritsune managed to say, grass still wanting to carry him into another roll. ¡°Couldn¡¯t - be better,¡± Kyray whispered, inching onto his side. ¡°Thank goodness,¡± Serencia continued, kneeling down. ¡°They were moving so fast.¡± ¡°They¡¯re up in the sky,¡± Haronsal said from further away. ¡°Like shooting stars.¡± ¡°That climb rather than fall,¡± Feldaner added. ¡°In fact, there¡¯s another two.¡± ¡°Thought that they were going to hit me,¡± Naritsune added, still able to see the stellar trails from both. ¡°But the next moment, it was like I was being taken away from them.¡± ¡°Might want to thank Kyray for that,¡± said Killyria, appearing beside Serencia. ¡°Are you able to take care of this - I¡¯ve got some disagreements to break up.¡± ¡°Yes, but can¡¯t say which pair would be the best to try first.¡± ¡°Already have one,¡± Killyria replied, leaping back, sinking towards the ground as the air rippled, then shot skywards as if launched from a bow. ¡°She-¡± Haronsal said, pointing up. ¡°She-¡± ¡°Flew away,¡± Feldaner said. ¡°Just like that.¡± ¡°She¡¯ll need it against those four,¡± Serencia added. ¡°Celestes¡¯ or not.¡± Naritsune sat upright. ¡°They¡¯re-they¡¯re-¡± ¡°Your patrons. And I¡¯m not sure when they¡¯ll be back.¡± ¡°¡­Not sure if I want mine to come back,¡± said Kyray, looking up at two sets of lights that had become a flashing three. ¡°At least, not whilst I¡¯m still here.¡± ¡°Well, since you have all decided, there¡¯s nothing else for it except to go to Outeransei,¡± said Serencia. ¡°Unless you have any questions.¡±This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. ¡°Do we need to take anything with us?¡± Haronsal asked. ¡°What you already have is more than enough, Haronsal. And if you¡¯re worried about weapons, an item should be at the starting point.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± said Naritsune. ¡°Haven¡¯t got so much as a knife.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t let me bring them,¡± Kyary added. ¡°I take it not everyone in Outeransei is Dark or Night-aligned, My Lady,¡± said Feldaner. ¡°Just as the stars shine in the dark sky,¡± Serencia replied. ¡°They can be a great help in time of need. As you can be for them. But it would be wise not to speak of why you are there; at least to begin with.¡± ¡°How do we - get there?¡± Kyray asked. ¡°As easy as closing your eyes here and waking up there. But first,¡± as a shimmering bottle poured its sparkling contents into a set of glasses. ¡°A goodbye drink.¡± Naritsune watched as two of the glasses left the cluster and floated over to him and Kyray; light dancing on the surfaces as he saw a gaze that mirrored his own. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Not much point being wary when it¡¯ll help on the trip,¡± said Kyray. ¡°I mean, for getting me out of the way of that-¡± ¡°A moment of instinct. Plus, it wouldn¡¯t do for one of us to not get to Outer-what¡¯s-it because of a twin-comet.¡± ¡°Either way, I¡¯m in your debt,¡± Naritsune continued, lifting his glass. ¡°And I won¡¯t forget - I can taste lunar berries.¡± ¡°Berries, yes,¡± Kyray said, lowering his glass. ¡°Like Nargrenacht¡¯s finest, but with a - sparkle.¡± ¡°Refreshing,¡± said Feldaner, his empty cup returning to Serencia. ¡°Right down to my toes. It makes me want to-¡± ¡°Whoopee!¡± Haronsal yelled, spreading his arms wide as Naritsune and Kyray both went sideways. ¡°I¡¯m floating!¡± ¡°And nearly made me jump out of my-¡± Feldaner said, getting back up, but then yawning. ¡°I - feel - sleepy¡­.¡± Naritsune wanted to reply, but the words seemed to come out as a yawn of his own. He wanted to get upright - to the point of being on an elbow and staring a keeled over Feldaner - but the grass looked and felt so welcoming. Even more welcoming as he fell toward it but couldn¡¯t seem to reach it; whilst he and Kyray floated toward an also airborne Haronsal and Feldaner. Whilst an arms-spread Serencia stood a little to the side; shining like an earthbound sun. ¡°What was in that dri-¡± he tried to say. ¡°It¡¯ll keep you going on the journey and beyond,¡± Serencia replied; everything shimmering, spinning, then darkening. ¡°Speak to you at some point on the other side. And sleep tight.¡± * * * Virgo shot through the air. Not forwards but backwards. As if she was launched from a distant point. The whoosh was quietening, but the lightness had not gone. Had it really been that strong? Did asteroid training produce aftereffects like this? Questions for later she blinked, spin-stopping at the sight of the rapidly approaching figure who had sent her flying. ¡°Don¡¯t do it, Virgo!¡± She looked down at the clouds and the lake far below that. No sign of Andromeda, and yet it had been her voice. ¡°Too late,¡± said Astraea, right in front of her and coupled with a punch. For the second time everything became a backward spin jumble as Virgo closed her eyes and latched onto the momentum; using it to flow out of the cartwheels, then fly round in a speeding arc; right at an oncoming- ¡°Asteroid?¡± she gasped, shifting angle and flying past it. Only to see Astraea come in from the side with punches and kicks. High, low and retreat blocks were her reply; followed by a back-float as Astraea kicked again; then a surge-forward with an oncoming punch; fist flashing white as it struck and sent Astraea back like a stone from a catapult. ¡°You just had to have one,¡± Virgo said, floating over to the oversized rock. ¡°Didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°You wished, so I granted,¡± Astraea replied, coming to a stop. ¡°Can¡¯t say that you hit like one.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Really.¡± ¡°Even after this?¡± said Virgo, back fisting the rock surface and turning it to ripples of stardust. ¡°You can always try,¡± Astraea purred, flowing into an aerial en G?rde. Star silver seemed to glow out from her. As if a storm were building. Virgo didn¡¯t need to look at the gleam of her own hands; now filled with a beating light. No count from three; just a single blink and she was flying - no rocketing forwards; leaving a trail of pale blue light. Astraea had done the same; only her light was star-silver like an angry comet, waves radiating back as barriers were burst. Two more blinks and it was certainly on. Two more blinks and they could settle this once and for- A single jet of light shot up through the space ahead, forcing her to swerve. She continued to fly, but the charge became a tumble. A tumble followed by a stop against a pair of firm hands. ¡°Got you,¡± a familiar voice said, even as Virgo could see the great light burst into four stars that twinkled in the stellar distance. ¡°Was that you as well?¡± Virgo said, turning to see Andromeda. ¡°More Serencia,¡± Andromeda replied, letting go. ¡°And it provided a bonus.¡± ¡°So it has,¡± Virgo continued, looking at Astraea, who was trying to get out of the grasp of Callisto and Killyria. ¡°I can carry on with a slight matter by the lake.¡± ¡°A bit - difficult when they¡¯re no longer - there,¡± said Killyria, between pulses from Astraea. ¡°Eh?¡± Virgo repeated, then saw the four points of ever distant light. ¡°No-¡± ¡°You can speak to him in the morning,¡± said Andromeda. ¡°When you¡¯re calmer.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to speak to him; I want to-¡± ¡°For the last time,¡± Astraea said. ¡°I¡¯m not going to go for her. At least, not till this is over.¡± ¡°Promise?¡± said Callisto. ¡°We were just following your lead,¡± said Virgo. ¡°You and Andromeda being in air combat before we got started.¡± ¡°But stopped at the sight of the triple rainbow,¡± Andromeda replied. ¡°Thank you, Killyria.¡± ¡°Had to do something,¡± Killyria replied as she and Callisto released Astraea. ¡°Or they might not have got on their way in one piece.¡± ¡°Still might,¡± Virgo beginning to glow. ¡°They are now the Selected and you are the Celeste,¡± Serencia said, floating in front of her. ¡°They are in another¡¯s hands now and we can only wait.¡± ¡°Not if the pool¡¯s still working¡­¡± Virgo replied, spreading her arms and falling clouds, lake and garden wards. ¡°No, Virgo,¡± Andromeda said, plunging after her. ¡°That¡¯s not what it¡¯s supposed to be used for; even if you want to see him dead.¡± ¡°What pool is she talking about?¡± Astraea asked Callisto as Killyria and Serencia looked at each other and dove after the other two. ¡°There¡¯s almost a dozen in the gardens.¡± ¡°Beats me,¡± Callisto replied. ¡°The basin does a fine job when it¡¯s up and - Don¡¯t you dare,¡± she roared, plunging surface ward. ¡°That¡¯s my viewing point, Virgo!¡± 17 - End? You may have guessed already: We can¡¯t leave Naritsune, Feldaner, Kyray and Haronsal blasting off to Outer-what¡¯s-it. Or Alic¨¦ with her midnight challenge. Until Meetings and Arrivals is published (still working on it) here is one of the pieces in my ai art series: This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Want to see the others? Click the links in the Post-Chapter author note below ??