Enfri gave a great deal of thought towards the question. Something she could do, even if it was nothing more than a symbolic gesture, to prove her devotion to the mighty. She had told herself that each dragon she forged a bond for was a part of her. What better way to show that than to make it a reality?

    The solution hadn't come to her on her own. She had the few knights who remained behind with her to thank for that. Paladin Hugin ran through a number of ideas with her over tea until he mentioned something that caught Enfri's fancy. By pure luck, another of Enfri's knights had experience with such art forms.

    That was how Enfri found herself bare to the waist and lying face down on a table inside her tent. Jin observed the process as a woman entranced. She'd never witnessed such a thing in person and couldn't have been pulled away by wild horses.

    The other within the tent was a Shotoese alchemist named Kolbat. She was of an age with Enfri and a skilled mariner. Kolbat was what was called an island hopper from the Isles of Shoto. From what Enfri gathered, that meant she was something of a vagabond who sailed from island to island to take on whatever work was available. This resulted in Kolbat possessing an impressive array of skills, a jack of all trades.

    The Shotoese were similar in appearance in many ways to Althandi, the same eyes and build, except they generally had darker skin tones. Kolbat had a round and well-formed face, though her mouth had a tendency to carry a frown when at rest. Her skin was weathered, bearing a few premature wrinkles around her eyes and at the corners of her mouth. The skin around her eye sockets was stained dark, a result of the grease paint she routinely slathered on her face to guard against glare while sailing. That had the beneficial side effect of making her lovely blue eyes stand out all the better.

    Jin sat in a wooden folding chair as she watched Kolbat work. Tattoo needles tapped in a steady rhythm across Enfri's flesh. The ink Kolbat used had a strong scent that Enfri found rather pleasant.

    "I had a thought," Enfri said. "Could a scrivener tattoo sigils on herself?"

    Kolbat grunted a negative. "A lot of people asked that when I did this on Ame Island. Far as I know, it has something to do with imprints. My Corsair could give you a better answer. He likes experimenting with unconventional spellcraft."

    Enfri believed that Darva the Corsair seemed to experiment with a lot of things that were unconventional, but she kept her mouth shut. She wasn't so foolish as to risk offending the woman jabbing her repeatedly with needles. One ill-conceived comment and Kolbat might decide to mark Enfri with something ridiculous.

    Kolbat had come to Ecclesia along with Darva the Corsair, the indigo dragon. Darva had known Kolbat for a couple of years before Deebee found them. They were close, but not in the same way as other dragons with their knights. When Enfri forged the bond between them, it felt like she had officiated a wedding. For their part, the Corsair and his Pearl Knight carried on as if that was precisely what had happened. They'd been lovers before Kolbat learned of Darva's true identity as one of the mighty. She mocked him incessantly for that to this day.

    A dragon romantically involved with a human. Merciful winds, I'd never have even thought of that.

    Enfri tried not to dwell too much on it. Both of them were adults, and Enfri had no business laying judgement. She focused instead on the needle tapping on her skin.

    "Does that not hurt?" Jin asked for perhaps the third time.

    "A little," Enfri admitted. "It's like pulling off a scab or taking out a thorn. A good pain, if that makes sense."

    Jin made a thoughtful sound as she leaned in for a better look. "It's amazing how swiftly it comes together. How long until it is finished?"

    "Another five or six sessions, normally," Kolbat said. "At this rate, I may finish tomorrow. Investing the ink makes it much quicker. The pigment changes with a thought."

    Jin nodded in agreement. "The colors are indeed striking."

    Enfri shifted position while Kolbat paused to get more ink. "Who're you working on now?"

    "Elloo the Constable," Kolbat replied. "He has a distinguished face in his truest form, and I'm taking the time to get him just right."

    "And the Architect is after him?"

    Kolbat hummed an affirmative. "I suppose you will call on me whenever you forge a new bond?"

    "If it isn't a bother."

    "Of course not. It's good to feel useful. I'm no fighter, and I'm barely an arcanist. My last job was at a cannery on Zume Island before Courtesans burned it down. Not where you'd expect to find a Pearl Knight. I'll earn my spot here any way I can."

    Kolbat was currently doing some intricate work along the inside of Enfri's left shoulder blade. She used delicate silver needles she'd transmuted out of coins. There were a range of other tools also. Enfri didn't care for the rake-like thing Kolbat used for thicker lines. That one wasn't a good pain.

    Deebee had been the first dragon to be depicted in ink. She was on the front of Enfri's left shoulder in a pose like that of the House Yora sigil. Kimpo faced Deebee, and Adar curled around Enfri's arm beneath them. More dragons spiraled down in a sleeve of tattoos, and now Kolbat had begun to place the last few on her back.

    Enfri wanted every dragon she forged a bond for to have a place on her body. To date, that meant sixteen dragons.

    I suppose Grimdar could be next if he likes Valuris for his Ruby. Winds, I might have to keep Kolbat nearby for a long time, the rate I'm going.

    Perhaps the most satisfying part of this process was the reaction the spooks had towards it. They absolutely abhorred the way she "disfigured" herself, calling it a sacrilege for whatever reason. The spooks insisted that the body of an emperor or empress was meant to be a testament to Aleesh superiority and put on display in its unspoiled perfection. Enfri didn't hold with such tripe. Her body was her own, thank you, and she'd do as she pleased. No one but herself— and Jin, of course— had any business looking at it.

    Just outside the closed tent flap, Hugin announced himself. "Your Majesty, a sending from the knight-marshal."

    Enfri felt her stomach do a cartwheel. She'd been waiting for word from the others since the moment they left her behind. She tucked her arms up to better keep herself covered as she gave permission for Hugin to enter. Half-naked or not, Enfri wanted to know immediately how everything had gone.

    The Lord of Emeralds entered the tent backwards, determinedly facing away from Enfri's partial nudity. She appreciated the gesture. Jin rose to her feet, and Kolbat's needles fell still.

    Hugin's deep baritone voice seemed heavier than it normally did. "The marshal's report comes through my husband's sending, Your Majesty. The mission to Sholis failed. They were unable to secure Kimpo the Huntress."

    Enfri felt her heart sink. "Winds and storms," she whispered. "Are they alright?"

    Hugin shook his head. "There are casualties, Your Majesty. Sheeku the Architect and Isya the Delver are dead, as are Knight-Captain Gerard and Paladin Shorin. Paladin Galen succumbed to his wounds soon after. Zanda the Executioner lost an arm but is recovering. In addition, Mistress Reyn sustained life-threatening injuries. It's uncertain if she'll survive the return to camp."

    "Ashes," Kolbat murmured.

    Enfri pushed herself up to sit. She tried to say something, but her voice had fled.

    "There is more, Your Majesty. Rav says that we didn't leave Sholis empty handed. The renegade's servants were attempting to coerce Armo the Rampart to join them through torture. He agreed to accompany the marshal here for treatment. There's also a blue dragonet who wishes to enter your service, but she..." Hugin scratched at his neck as he delivered the final part. "She isn't alone. She's bonded to a blood runner..."

    "Bonded?" Enfri gasped. "To a blood mage? Winds and storms, is she one of Elise's dragons?"

    "...accompanied by a Japaxian vampire..."

    "A what?" Enfri squawked.

    "...and escorted by Duchess Josenthorne and Princess Maya."

    Enfri felt like she was going to faint.

    "My sister is coming here?" Jin asked.

    Hugin nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. The marshal believes they will return by dusk tonight. Princess Pacifica and Adar, however, are likely to return from Kothal within the hour."

    Enfri looked to Jin. She saw her fears reflected in her eyes. Jin took a slow breath before addressing Hugin.

    "Lord Hugin, the empress needs to get dressed. We will find you soon. She would hear everything in detail."

    Hugin looked relieved to be allowed to leave the tent. "As you say, Highness. I'll be nearby."

    Jin nodded to Kolbat. "I fear that is all for today."

    "Yes, Highness." Kolbat retrieved thick bandages and some ointment. With Jin's aid, they covered Enfri's tattoos to protect them as they healed. "Once Deebee returns, you might consider taking a little healing to speed the process."

    "When she gets back," Enfri said, distracted. "I don't want to draw from her when she's on a long flight."

    The bandages in place, Jin and Kolbat assisted her in getting into her dress. Enfri accepted their aid, all the while feeling as if she were floating over her body. Two dragons. Three knights.

    I killed them, she thought. I gave the order to go, and I killed them.

    Enfri touched the place on her forearm where the Delver's image was engraved. The place on her back reserved for the Architect burned. Kimpo... She'd failed to get Kimpo back. Enfri put a hand over Deebee and Kimpo's place on her shoulder and felt tears in her eyes.

    And Reyn. Winds, I let her get dragged off to help. I was relieved she was gone, and this is what came of it?

    Enfri felt like an absolute wretch. Overwhelmed, she couldn't fully comprehend that two royal assassins were on their way. Enfri hardly noticed Jin asking Kolbat to begin preparations to receive the returning forces, or when the Pearl Knight left the tent. The next moment, Enfri was held within Jin's arms. Jin comforted her rather than dwell on her own problems. Once again.

    "This is terrible," Enfri murmured. "How could this happen?"

    Jin stroked Enfri's hair. "Ban would not have left the task unfinished unless there was no other choice. We will hear what Lord Hugin knows, and we can get the rest from the others when they return."

    "Answers can wait," Enfri said. She pulled away from Jin and looked up into her eyes. She put her hand to Jin's cheek. "What about you, my light? Maya and Josy are coming. What could they want?"

    Jin's expression turned grim. "I can think of few reasons. The last we saw of Josy, she ran off with Duke Falthis' journal. As for my sister, she is among the last I would trust within a hundred leagues of you."

    I can't say I'd argue, Enfri thought. She took a step back from Jin and adjusted how her skirt fell about her legs. She did it to occupy her hands. Otherwise, Enfri knew she'd be crying. "It doesn't seem real. The tattoos aren't finished yet, but they're already dying."

    Jin took her by the hand and led her out of the tent. "I will not try to placate you with platitudes. You already know what I will say, and it gives you no comfort."

    "Say it anyway."

    "They knew the risks and accepted the dangers," Jin said. "Whether you gave the order or not, every knight and dragon who went to Sholis wanted to be there. Not only for you, but for Kimpo as well. The only other course of action was to do nothing."

    Enfri clutched her hands over her stomach as they walked.

    "As I said, it's no comfort. Only the truth."

    Perhaps Enfri could bring herself to believe it was true, but not yet. As it stood, she couldn't forgive herself for sending people to their doom. The anxious pit gnawing at her insides hadn't abated by the time they located Hugin. Throughout the full explanation of what happened, it only grew worse.

    By the time Hugin was done and he'd answered Enfri and Jin's questions to the best of his ability, outriders rode into camp with word that Pacifica and Adar had been spotted. Enfri dreaded facing Pacifica. Reyn was her friend, and Enfri sent her into a battle.

    Adar landed just outside the camp, practically splashing into the shallows of the Vladmir River. Once Pacifica climbed down his leg to the ground, Adar took on his human form to walk beside her. Enfri and Jin went to meet them.

    Pacifica looked pallid and had a far-off look in her eyes. Enfri didn't have to ask to know that she must also received a sending about the disaster in Sholis. The princess looked up to see Enfri and Jin coming towards her. She sped up into a jog.

    "Enfri, you've heard?" Pacifica asked as she reached them.

    "I did. I'm so..."

    Pacifica seized Enfri into an embrace. "I know what it's like. For you, it must be even worse. The mighty are so precious to you, and you've spent time with every one of them."

    Enfri sniffled and returned the hug. "Reyn's hurt."

    "She'll be alright. I know she will. She's too belligerent to die, and you'll be here to help her once they all arrive."

    Enfri wasn't sure if it was the hug or her own tiredness, but she couldn't hold her tears back anymore. Pacifica held her and made soothing sounds as she allowed Enfri to cry on her shoulder. Enfri heard Jin murmur her gratitude to Pacifica and felt Pacifica nod in return.

    Jin spoke to Adar. "How was the response from Kothal?"

    "Frightened," Adar replied. "The premier of Sholis received us, but he seemed to do so only because he thought I would begin eating the goodfolk if we were denied. Even then, he tried to delay any discussion. In the end, Pacifica had to barge into the premier's conservatory and read the empress' letter at the top of her lungs before he'd speak with us."

    Jin arched an eyebrow. "Learning twenty dragons were entering his kingdom must have caught his attention."

    "Quite so. Fortunately, Pacifica was able to spin it so he was more worried about the dragons already in his kingdom. The premier was set against trusting Shan Alee due to rumors of the mighty at the Sanguine Tower, but my Diamond Knight performed her duty masterfully. I'm pleased to say that logic prevailed, and the premier gave his word that he would spread our warnings about Elise."

    Jin crossed her arms over her chest. "It is true, then? Elise was responsible for the attack on the blood runners?"

    "It does seem to be the case, Your Highness. To what end, I cannot say."

    Enfri felt the ancient emperors stirring. They were laughing. She shoved them aside and settled her tears. Enfri let go of Pacifica and took a deep breath. "I know why. She's calling herself Elise Alinwe now to style herself as Inwe's second coming. She took a name she doesn't deserve, and now she's going to use it."

    Jin watched Enfri closely. "Use it for what, my heart?"

    Enfri wiped her eyes with a sleeve. "We know now that Kimpo is completely on Elise's side. That means it's a certainty Elise knows about the Aleesh in Melcia. Kimpo asked the White Lady her question for me, but if we don't hurry, Elise will reach them first. She might even be there already. The magocracy is in shambles, and that means the Five Kingdoms will be worse off when it comes time to fight off an army of dragon-bound Aleesh."

    "You're talking about the oracle," Jin said. "Lord Lammlyth told my father 'the wings of an army of dragons and their bonded knights darken the skies over Althandor'."

    "Yes, exactly," Enfri said. "He also said Elise would have both a red and silver dragon. That didn't happen. She only got Kimpo, because Ban stopped her from using her spikes on me. The future changes when Ban and Pacifica are around, so I hope we can change Fate's mind again."

    Pacifica's expression was pensive. "That would mean marching all the way to Melcia. It was always a possibility, but I hoped it wouldn't be necessary. You and Adeyemi didn't part on the best of terms. Now Maya tells Ban the Crescent Legion and Melcian Rangers are on the way to trap us."

    "Adeyemi is ready for a war," Adar said. "If the intelligence from the Algaras is accurate, we'll have to fight through both the Nadians and Melcians to reach the north. Tactically speaking, my empress, the wisest course of action may be to return to Ecclesia while it's still an option. From a position of strength, we'll be better equipped to fight them."

    Enfri was shaking her head. "No. When I forged your bond, I promised Pacifica I wouldn't ever do anything to endanger Ecclesia. I can't just tickle the bear and run into someone else's house."

    Jin blinked rapidly at Enfri's metaphor. She seemed to find it amusing. "We should consult with Ban before making any final decisions."

    "He was the apprentice of one of the world's most acclaimed generals," Pacifica agreed. "One or two of the mighty must have studied warfare over the centuries. Somewhere between all of us, we can find a solution."

    "I'd rather there not be a war at all," Enfri said. "Jin, is there no possibility of... talking... to Adeyemi?"

    "There may be," Jin said, though her expression was skeptical. "His Eminence must recognize the position he's putting himself in. Whether my father condones this or not, Adeyemi will earn a great deal of enmity from the nobility for his actions. To all but the elder bloodlines, this will appear as an unprovoked attack upon a young house."

    "Like a grown man sucker-punching a toddler," Enfri grumbled.

    "Where are you pulling these from?" Jin asked under her breath.

    "Colorful, but accurate," Pacifica said. "Everything you've done so far has been within the Highest King's laws. Perhaps if we can remind Adeyemi of how costly a fight would be, victory or not, he might back down. To continue your analogy, the baby-puncher wouldn't be trusted by his neighbors ever again."

    Enfri could only hope the Warrior King would see reason. "There's a lot to do before Ban and Deebee get back. I need to get ready for Reyn. Herbs to find and spells to invest. My light, I could use your help if you're willing. Hugin said Josy mended Reyn's fractures, but I'd be more at ease if you double-checked if everything was done right."

    Jin was taken by surprise. "You think I'm able? Setting an arm or a rib with osteomancy is one thing. Reyn was crushed."

    "All the more reason to put our best bone-mender on the job. A sky woman needs an apprentice, after all."

    Pacifica covered her mouth to hide her smile at that. She and Adar offered their farewells before seeing to their own tasks.

    "Of course, I will help however I can," Jin said as they returned to the camp. They made for the surgeons' tents. Enfri kept her field lab near them, and that was where she planned to administer to Reyn's injuries. "But, my heart, should we not discuss the megathon in the cupboard? You've not yet said a word about it."

    Enfri felt a sinking sensation in her stomach. Of course. It'd been silly of her to think she could hide her attraction towards Reyn from Jin. After all, Jin had confessed her past infatuations. She deserved the same level of trust from Enfri.

    "I know. I'm sorry, my light. I keep telling myself it's just a passing fancy, but every time I see her, I can't stop myself from getting flushed."

    Jin's face darkened, and she stopped short. "Winds and storms, Enfri. I'm talking about the blood runner."

    Enfri folded her hands behind her back and kicked at a clump of dirt underfoot. "Oh."

    "Don't you 'oh' me," Jin sputtered. She closed her eyes, pinched the bridge of her nose, and took a long breath. "We'll return to that subject later. And believe me, we will return to it."

    "Err..."

    "This blood runner, this..." Her mouth twisted into a sneer. "This Krayson. He claims to bring you a bloodsong."

    Enfri put a hand to her temple. "Please yell at me instead. I don't want to talk about that."

    Jin's face softened. "We have to, my heart."

    "I just don't understand why this is happening. I don't know the Merovech. All I know about him is that he's Garret's father and his legion once tried to trap me."

    "I am as surprised as you are," Jin said. "I knew he was upset about what happened to Yora Page, and he argued for mercy when the assassins first learned of you. Beyond that, I would never have imagined he would name an Aleesh as the heir to his bloodsong."

    Enfri turned her back on Jin and continued towards her field lab. Jin walked alongside her, clearly expecting her opinion. Enfri didn't have one to give. She knew nothing of blood magic. Aside from an accidental brush with it while healing Pacifica, she'd gone her entire life without having to worry about such things. Preservers and bloodsongs and red-eyed arcanists... It all made Enfri feel like magic was a darker and more dangerous thing than she wanted it to be.

    "If I understand correctly," Enfri said, "receiving the bloodsong would make me a stronger arcanist?"

    "An understatement. The Merovech was among the most powerful wizards in the world. His bloodsong will increase your stores of ether manyfold. Nothing will be outside your reach."

    Enfri bit her lip. "And Elise must have one of these bloodsongs."

    "She must. Maya's the only arcanist I know of to have such power naturally."

    "If Shan Alee is going to stop Elise, I'll need to be as strong as she is." Enfri sighed and pushed her way into her field lab tent. A pair of workbenches awaited her. A calcinator hummed as it burned down a reagent sample she'd placed inside earlier in the day. An alchemical journal detailing her research into the oren sat open beside a bubbling alembic. Enfri would have to clear some space if she meant to see to a patient.

    Jin assisted her in cleaning off one of the workbenches. "I've never seen the rites of a blood runner. I'm told it's painless, if disturbing."

    "I'm more disturbed that Maya and Josy are with him. Present company excluded, I don't have much luck with royal assassins."

    Jin grew pensive.

    "Do you have any idea why they'd be with one of Elise's dragons?" Enfri asked. "Or a blustering vampire, for that matter."

    Jin looked away as if searching for an answer. "No. It's possible that the situation in the capital has grown more chaotic than the rumors led me to believe. Until I learn more, I would not dare to guess."

    Taking Jin's hands into her own, Enfri kissed her fingertips. "Whatever you need, don't hesitate to ask. I want to be here for you just as you've been here for me."

    Jin leaned her head forward until their foreheads pressed together. "What I want... is impossible."

    "Tell me. Let me be the judge of that."

    She shook her head. "No. To do as I ask would betray who you are. I will never ask you to stop being the woman I love."

    Enfri felt like she understood what Jin's desire was. She took in a breath and was careful to moderate her tone. She didn't want a hint of an accusation in her voice. If Enfri didn't miss her guess, Jin had brushed on this subject before. "You want to run away? Just the two of us?"

    "Deebee could come along." Jin cracked a little smile. "And I suppose when I build us our home, I could put a spare room in the attic for Ban."

    Enfri laughed softly, though her eyes were downcast. It sounded wonderful. Her and Jin, away from all this business of kings and empires. A peaceful life, like the one she used to have before her heritage came to claim her. She could tend a garden again, be a sky woman once more. A life of curing sicknesses and delivering babies. With Jin beside her, it could be perfect.

    Slowly, Enfri raised her head. "I want that, too. I want you, my light. More than anything. It's just..."

    Jin kissed her forehead. "You see? Impossible."

    "For now, maybe. Not forever. I don't know where the two of us will end up, but I know we'll be together. That's the important part. As long as we have that, we could be a couple of wandering vagrants for all I care."

    Jin pursed her lips.

    "Winds, you just thought you'd rather it be somewhere with galas, didn't you?"

    "I refuse to incriminate myself."

    Enfri gave Jin's shoulder a light shove. "You're wicked. And adorable. I promise we'll go dancing all the time once we're married."

    Silence filled the tent for a whole five seconds before what Enfri said registered to either of them. Jin smiled. Not her slight quirks of the mouth, but a full grin that showed her teeth, ear to ear and joyful. Seeing that smile made Enfri shatter into a thousand pieces and get put back together again.

    Enfri's tongue fumbled to explain herself. "I m-mean to say... Of course I assume that one day we'll... Winds and storms, but is it summer already?"

    Jin's laugh was unrestrained. "Was that supposed to be a proposal?"

    "Really, it just slipped out. But I meant it. I want to be your wife, Jin. Until I met you, I didn't understand what love really is."

    "In that case..." Jin clasped Enfri's hands and stared into her eyes. "Don't consider this a proposal, but a declaration of intent. One day soon, you and I will be wed, my heart. No power on the Continent can stop it from happening."

    Enfri bit her lip. "You'll be my Jin Yora?"

    Jin swooned.

    "What would your title be? Would you be an empress, too?"

    "If it's all the same, I'd prefer imperial consort."

    Enfri raised an eyebrow. "Been putting thought towards it, have we?"

    "More than could be considered decent."

    The dopey grin was back on Enfri's face. She found herself hoping for the remote possibility that Maya and Josy could be allies. As Jin's older sister, it was within Maya's rights to give her blessing to a betrothal. A very remote possibility, but perhaps Fate would be kind.

    Shouts filtered into the tent, as did the roars of dragons as they came in to land. Enfri saw by the waning light outside that it was nearing dusk. Ban and Deebee were back.

    "Time flies when you dread what comes next," Enfri said. "I'll need the gaslights."

    Jin snapped her fingers, and it was done. Steady light bathed the tent.

    "Oh. Thank you." Enfri gathered her surgical tools and medicines. Not all were magical in nature. The ones that were, she quested into each with her ether to make certain the investitures were holding properly. "And could you fetch me Volume Five from my grandmother's journals? Two and Three from mine, also."

    Jin went to the bookshelf and sought out the requested volumes. Before she returned, armsmen were calling out just outside the tent. There was the sound of massive wingbeats, and the ground rung like an anvil as great claws struck the earth. A moment later, Grimdar the Gladiator strode into Enfri's field lab in human form. He carried Reyn in his arms.

    "She lives, Your Majesty," Grimdar said, "but I don't know for how much longer."

    Enfri mustered her composure and gestured towards the cleared workbench. "Lay her there. I'll do everything I can."