Ban and Moon emerged from their shared tent, straightening their uniforms and putting their hair back in order.

"Third time today," Ban said disapprovingly.

Moon shrugged, unconcerned. "I have needs that must be satisfied, my betrothed."

"And knock that off. You know it weirds me out when you do the slayer talk thing."

"I must practice my diction, my betrothed."

"For who?" Ban demanded. "Everyone whose opinion matters prefers the real you."

Moon finished the last of the tiny braids in her hair. "I believe what you meant to say was 'for whom'."

"You're off your nut, lisichka." He peered closer at her. "Are you wearing cosmetics again?"

Moon actually blushed, and she was flustered enough to revert to her normal dialect. "Is thing I like. Is nice to be pretty."

Ban still didn't feel completely on-board with Moon's attempts at assimilating into mortal society. On the other hand, he didn't want to make himself another obstacle for her either. He'd even talked to Jin about this, thinking that if anyone in camp would know something of loving a very different person, it'd be her. As expected, Jin provided what might've been the best advice Ban ever received on women.

Validate. Don't contradict.

"Well, you're getting good at putting it on. You're beautiful."

Moon looked away and covered her cheeks with her hands, her tell for when she was especially pleased by a compliment. She was also biting her lower lip, which was a tell for something else.

"No," Ban said firmly. Perhaps it was still necessary to contradict her now and then. "No, not a fourth. We're cutting it close as it is."

Moon pouted and gave him her big, sad eyes. It bothered Ban how that worked so well on him. He'd found that Moon was fully capable of being sultry, sensual, or seductive when she wanted to be. However, it was when she was cute that she truly had Ban wrapped around her little finger.

"Moon, please."

She let out an exaggerated sigh as she shrugged in vague agreement. Relieved, Ban led the way towards the road leading to Sandharbor. They passed Enfri's cottage, where Kiffa Smith was currently tending to a few armsmen dealing with heat exhaustion; the southerners were still acclimating to the climate.

"Pacifica said to meet her by the Smith homestead," Ban said. "We can go into town together from there. Pacifica said Omolade finally agreed to using the trading post in the main square as our neutral ground."

"Meet with Beyond-scented empty one," Moon said with a nod.

"Hold on, you mean to say the Beyond has a scent?"

Moon shrugged. "Is scent not scented before. What else is this she scents of?"

"Fair enough. You set and ready for this?"

Moon grimaced. "Is silly that I go."

"Ma's already with Pacifica, and you're her first officer. Comes with the territory, Knight-Lieutenant Moon. And, even though it's not official or anything, you're pretty much the legion's liaison with Shan Alee's fey allies."

Moon waved a hand dismissively to show what she thought of that, and Ban didn't blame her for not wanting the responsibility. As Moon saw it, she was already a large part of why the fey were even with the legion. She wasn't all that keen on being their line of communication to the Aleesh command structure on top of that.

"In any case, Light Hoof and the other empty ones will be there, so you won't need to fill them in on what happens. You're just there for your Opal Knight."

"I should be with kith," Moon said. She held her hands to her stomach. "Not trust rybka around white-scented."

"Ma and Jalla will clear out of there at the first sign of trouble, and anyone going after you will have me and my axe to get through first."

Moon nodded, though she was still frowning. "Is not good feeling. This feels... too easy."

"Aye. I think I know exactly what you mean." He turned his head to see Princess Nkeoma and her angels on their own way to the parlay. The Melcian princess saw Ban and Moon, then altered course to join them on the road. Nkeoma wasn't the only princess. Jin was with her, and she had a crow perched on her shoulder.

Ban squinted at the oddity of Jin having a dragon with her. Meanwhile, Moon tugged on his sleeve.

"Will go ahead," she whispered.

"Go on," Ban replied. He knew Nkeoma made Moon uneasy. Once she was dashing up the road, he turned to greet the new arrivals. "Nkeoma. Jin."

"Lord Bannlyth," Nkeoma said, halfway to a purr. She seemed to decide against acting flirtatious with him, casting a brief look up the road after Moon. "I fear mine house has garnered a poor reputation among the dark folk."

Ban was surprised to see what looked like genuine sadness over that fact. "I didn't think Melcia cared much for fey not serving you."

Nkeoma looked down at her feet. "What you say is nay false. As spirit callers have become more and more rare with each generation, a disdain has grown within mine family for those we once bled to bring into this world. Mine father..." She swallowed and didn't finish the thought.

A tug on Ban's ether said his elder magic was trying to get his attention again. He wanted to answer it, but his episodes of slipping into old memories were getting worse and more frequent. It'd become necessary to deny the insight, even when it almost felt like an entity all its own, cajoling or pleading or even demanding that he use it again.

His mother had advised him when he brought his fears of losing his mind to her. All things in moderation, especially elder magic. Ban didn't mean to use his insight unless it was absolutely necessary, at least until the episodes grew manageable again.

"Perhaps," Jin said, "there may yet be a reconciliation between the fey and Melcia."

"I would pray for such a happenstance," Nkeoma murmured. "Would that the fey with your legion intended to remain in Shan Alee. I have been told this is nay so."

Ban gestured for them to continue up the road. "That's right, but they'll be a frequent sight in these parts for some time. They don't intend to go back to their clans and tribes until the old masters' doom has been dealt with. There's really no saying how long that'll be."

"This talk of demons again," Nkeoma said quietly. "More and more, you speak as mine brother, Bannlyth. He oft warns us of wicked happenings on our doorstep."

"I'll take that as a compliment. I've always admired Zoputan." Ban looked behind him to the five angels following them, then to the crow standing on Jin's shoulder. "Is that you, Grimdar?"

The crow, or rather the red dragon, flapped one wing in an approximation of a salute. "Yes, sir. I was asked by my Eldest to serve in her stead as she tends her nest."

"Oh? What did she say?"

"Only that she wished me to see to your well-being, Marshal."

Ban hummed. "Doesn't really sound like Kimpo."

Jin regarded the dragon on her shoulder. "I was present for the sending, Lord Gladiator. Kimpo phrased it... rather differently."

Grimdar ruffled his feathers. "Her meaning was clear, Your Highness."

"How exactly did she put it?" Ban asked.

"Well," Grimdar said haltingly, "it was something like 'keep that lunkhead from doing anything to get his fool arse killed'."

"Ah. That sounds more like Kimpo. Where's your crew, Grimdar?"

"They're currently under Lady Kora Mensc's command," he reported. "Along with Her Majesty's crew and your own, they will be providing security for the parlay."

Ban nodded. Grimdar currently had neither a knight or officers on his crew. For a time, he'd been partnered with Knight-Lieutenant Valuris, though they hadn't been given a bond. Once the knighthood charters were clearly defined, Valuris' skills had been determined to be better suited for the Marble Knights rather than the Rubies. Ban meant to make finding a knight for the Gladiator a priority once the business with Melcia was concluded.

Assuming, of course, it could be concluded soon.

"And you, Jin?" he asked. "What've you been up to?"

"Scouting," she replied. "The Melcians are holding position on the hilltops northeast of Sandharbor for now, but they are prepared for a battle if it comes to one. The fey are massing in force near Sandharbor in sight of the Crescent Legion. "

Ban sighed. "Light Hoof and the other empty ones insisted on being the center of our formation. I guess it's a point of pride for them."

"An intimidating point," Nkeoma added. "I have some reservations telling you this, but after Moran Valley, your fey allies were greatly feared by our armsmen. Combining fey willing to bear arms against spirit callers with the power of the mighty, morale has become a dire situation among mine people. After mine capture, I can only imagine the situation has worsened. I doubt mine brother and sister will be eager for a second confrontation."

"I hope not," Ban said quietly. "And thank you, Princess, for lending the assistance you have."

"It is the least I am able to do," Nkeoma said. "Despite how I came to become your prisoner, I have been treated honorably. I find I am nay able to hold to the same opinions of Shan Alee and its empress as I once did."

Ban regarded her with surprise.

She saw the look and returned him a sly smile. "Besides, I was assured of the economical benefits that would come with a truce between our kingdoms. I do plan on holding Shan Alee to this."

That sounded like it fell under Pacifica's jurisdiction, and Ban wasn't about to throw himself upon the sword of trade negotiations.

Looking ahead, the Smith homestead was coming into view. There was quite the force massing in the blacksmith's front yard. Pacifica, Moon, and the empty ones were waiting along with one hundred armsmen. The soldiers came from Grimdar, Kimpo, and Deebee's crews— some of the best soldiers Shan Alee had. It was a large number to take to what was supposed to be a peaceful parlay, but it was a prudent amount considering what had happened the last time Shan Alee and Melcia met for a negotiation. The Melcians would undoubtedly be bringing a similar number of armsmen to insure the safety of their delegation.

Jin looked over the soldiers as they approached. "So many armsmen in one place may be inviting trouble. One hasty judgement could escalate these negotiations to a full confrontation."

"Our people are disciplined," Ban assured her. "They have orders to stand down unless attacked first."

"Even so, it is imperative this not get out of hand. No one will benefit from a battle, no matter who the victor is. No one, save the old masters."

Ban nodded.

"No one, Ban. It must not come to violence."

She seemed more vocal than usual. Ban supposed she must've been wanting to have things go as smoothly as possible for Enfri's sake.

"As you say," he said. "As to that, I've taken one measure that'll improve our chances."

"Which would be?"

"Lord Darian," Ban growled. "Can't help but notice our troubles with traitors began soon after he showed up."

"You suspect he's the one working against us?"

"I can't prove it, but I can't ignore the possibility. Rav and the Onyxes are keeping him under a discreet watch while the negotiations go down. He tries anything to muck things up, we'll know immediately." Ban pointed towards the sky around them. "We have dragons in the air in case the renegades try meddling again. We've also sent word to the Crescent Legion of all our security concerns, and Zoputan isn't fool enough to ignore them. I've learned from past mistakes. I won't let our last chance for peace get away from us."

Jin nodded, satisfied. "I would rather Darian had been turned away in the first place."

Ban didn't blame her. If he'd lost someone important to another house's plots, he'd want nothing to do with them either. It didn't seem like Jin and Enfri were butting heads over the issue, thankfully. Jin must've realized how unwilling Enfri would be to turn in someone Cathis wanted dead.

They arrived at the Smith homestead. Pacifica was going over some details with Kora Mensc. Krayson and Saveen were with her, the Bastion perched on Krayson's shoulder. Ban wondered why Lady Starra wasn't there. The vampire wasn't often absent when that group gathered together. Moon was with Ascania and Light Hoof, the three of them speaking with the other fey empty ones. There was Ritt and Tor of the ogres, Fallen of the orcs, and Light Hoof representing the goblins. The four of them weren't the only empty ones for the various tribes and clans with Shan Alee, but they were the ones chosen by their respective races to deal with the Aleesh leadership directly.

When Pacifica noticed Ban's group arriving, she excused herself from Lady Kora and came towards them. Krayson and Saveen followed. "We're ready to enter Sandharbor," she said "Has everything been passed on to the legion's officers?"

Ban nodded. "They're in position with Hugin in command. No one wants a fight, but we're as ready for one as we're going to get."

Pacifica let out an anxious breath. "Waves send it won't come to that. I don't want my first outing as regent to start a war."

"It'll be alright," Ban said while giving her a confident smile.

Pacifica nodded, though it didn't look like her anxiety had lessened by much. "No point in stalling. Will you be in the carriage?"

Ban furrowed his brow and looked ahead. There was a carriage. A steam carriage, even, though Ban had no idea where it came from. He offered Pacifica his arm and led her towards it. "No, I'll ride. I had Nat bring Arnln ahead of me. Where'd we pick up the fancy wagon?"

"From House Nolaas," Pacifica said. "Lord Seifer was kind enough to lend it to us."

"Ah. Speaking of vampires, where's your master? I'd think she'd be all over this sort of thing."

"With her family. I imagine there's much to do. It's no small task to resettle an entire house."

Ban hummed in agreement. "When next you talk to the Nolaas, pass on that we're putting his armsmen to good use. He might've only brought a couple dozen, but we'll take all the extra spears we can get."

He helped her board the steam carriage and held the door open as Krayson and Saveen joined her inside. The blood runner coming along made Ban raise an eyebrow. He knew something of Pacifica's puppy crush for Krayson, but he hadn't put much thought towards if the feeling was reciprocated. It was almost enough to tempt Ban towards turning his elder magic towards the question.

Once everyone was loaded up, Ban thumped his fist next to the drover's seat. He was a lanky fellow wearing an off-kilter cap, scarf, and a pair of driving goggles. The drover gave Ban a nod before pulling the levers that got the carriage hissing and sputtering to life.

One of Ban's crewmen came running up with Arnln, and Ban didn't waste time getting into the saddle. Around him, armsmen formed into orderly columns with the fey empty ones at their head. Nkeoma and her angels were provided with horses. Most impressively, Grimdar and Jalla assumed their truest forms. Ascania and Moon rode alone on the Historian while Jin reluctantly took the rider's position on the Gladiator, accompanied by Lady Kora.

Ban tapped his heels against Arnln's flanks and guided him to the front of the procession. "Shan Alee, take the wind!"

A hundred voices answered the order as one.

"Again and forever!"

oOo

Starra sighed heavily. She sat in a chair that was far too fine to be inside a tent in the middle of a meadow. It was an antique heirloom of House Nolaas, once belonging to her greatfather's greatfather, or someone equally impressive. It appeared that Daddy hadn't had the heart to sell it when he liquidated the house's assets and holdings.

Her father busied over a sigil stovetop, heating water to make tea. He'd always been the sort who preferred making it himself. Starra imagined that this was another point he and the empress could commiserate over. In her estimation, those two had a great deal in common. More than either yet realized.

Seifer poured two cups. He offered one to Starra before taking a seat on the tent's one cot. "So, a battle may break out today."

"That would be disastrous," Starra said.

"I know I'm not the most militaristic of minds in the Five Kingdoms," Seifer said, "but I've discovered a talent for counting dragons. Shan Alee has quite a few more than Melcia."

"Victory isn't what concerns me," Starra murmured. She sipped her tea and frowned. "You know it as well as I do. The Five Kingdoms have already lost two pillars. Altier Nashal is fractured, and Gaulatia is swarming with Teulites. If there is a battle today, no matter the outcome, Melcia will be shaken. That would leave Althandor open to a more direct assault. The doom may be closer than I feared."

Seifer blew on his tea to cool it.

"We can't afford to lose Melcia. Ambrose was clear on that. If there is any hope of thwarting the doom, we can't let Fate fall into enemy hands, and his prison is in the north."

Seifer took a drink of his tea and sighed. "If I'd only known what your apprenticing to that man would bring, I doubt I would have allowed it."

"Father," Starra said firmly, "I won't revisit this old argument again. There's no changing the past, and we have to take the present as it comes. Would you rather we run, knowing what inaction would lead to?"

"The old masters were nothing more than a bedtime story once," Seifer murmured. "Now, they are all you talk about."

"Because they're not stories," Starra said, impassioned. "Bloody Hell, I wish they were, but they're not. Whether intended or not, I'm now part of this war, and you have the choice of either helping me or..."

"Of course, I will help you," Seifer interrupted. He looked her in the eye, unblinking. "Why else am I here?"

Starra had known that, but it was still comforting to hear him say it plain. "Fate," she said, "is real."

He nodded sadly.

"And I've had contact with the Librarian again. More than ever, the demons are hunting for feylings."

"Have you warned your new friends?" Seifer asked. "The Karst deserves to know his coming child is a target."

"He knows, and there are three and half thousand fey warrior willing to give their lives to protect his child." Starra swallowed to fend off a sudden wave of nausea. "It's... another... I worry for more."

Seifer's eyes widened. "You still have not told her. She has no idea what she is?"

Starra stood suddenly and took two steps away. This guilt had been gnawing at her for years. "None of them do. Right under the old masters' noses, and none of them know the truth."

"My daughter... she has a right to know."

Starra felt tears coming. Blood Hell, but she hated herself for hiding this. But, the consequences of it ever becoming known were so great that just thinking about it terrified her.

"You must tell her," Seifer insisted. "She's your friend. Your dearest friend, you once wrote to me."

Starra grit her teeth. That friendship had been forged for ulterior motives. To get close enough to watch over those most vulnerable, under the most scrutiny. Ambrose the Merovech had known that the greatest asset— and the greatest threat— the demons would ever know was House Algara.

"The eyes of an assassin," Starra whispered. "They call them eyes of a beast. Thus far, I've only known the fey to name them more accurately as the eyes of a god."

"The Five Kingdoms are ruled by a feyling," Seifer said, setting aside his tea as he stood. "The Highest King's daughter is the Eidolon. The spirit essence is diluted across generations, but it still endures in the marked children of Algara. If what your master said is true, an Algara can free the Imprisoned One."

"And Algaras already dance to the enemy's tune." Starra wrung her hands. "That's why the secret is so deadly. One whisper of this to the wrong ear, and all hope is lost. Whoever unchains Kumo will know... everything. How could we fight a foe who already knows the consequence of every possible action?"

Seifer remained silent. He didn't need to give an answer. There would be no fighting them.

"Whatever happens," Starra said, "Jin can't know she's as much a feyling as Lord Ban's child is."

"As you say," her father whispered.

"If Shan Alee loses Jin— if the Five lose Jin— the world could very well be lost with her."