"Baroness," Yamina said. "I imagine there's much for you to see to now?"

"There is," Scarlett answered, gesturing for Slate to follow as she made her way towards the edge of the platform where Yamina waited. "But that is hardly unusual. My life has become little else. All matters in Beld Thylelion are settled, at the very least. What comes next lies here, in the Forgotten Tower."

"Yes, about that." Yamina flicked her fingers, and Scarlett watched with interest as a crystal orb shimmered into being in the woman's hand, runes of shifting colour swirling within. "I suspected you'd want to continue exploring the Tower, but I'm afraid you'll have to postpone that. The ritual required every available chamber and corner, and it's left them saturated with unstable arcane residue of…well, varying unsavoury sorts. This chamber is the only stable space for now. I'll need time to purge the rest. Until then, you'd best restrain those exploring impulses of yours."

"I…see."

"If you wish to leave, I can at least deliver you to the Kilnstone," Yamina went on. "You can return when I'm finished. By then, I should also have completed the other preparations we discussed, and we can continue our other business."

"That would be convenient."

"Excellent. Then I should start before the Tower decides to implode." Yamina raised the orb, and a shaft of pale light speared upward through the chamber. From it spun hundreds of motes, each streaking towards the walls like branches of some great, crystalline tree. The air began to hum.

"As soon as you want transport to the Kilnstone, stand within the runic circle your companions occupy and call my name," she said absently, her gaze sharpening with focus.

Scarlett studied her. She supposed they weren't doing a proper goodbye this time, but maybe that wasn't necessary. They'd be seeing each other again soon.

She walked past the woman, Slate trailing her down the steps from the platform until they rejoined the others.

"Welcome back to the world of us mortals," Kat said with a dry grin from where she sat on the floor, a flask of water in her lap.

"Thank you," Scarlett replied, her gaze sweeping the group. Rosa was still unconscious, but the others looked fine — if varying degrees of exhausted. Nol'viz remained restrained by Raimond's magic.

"Baroness Hartford," Raimond said. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he looked surprisingly dignified in his robes. This was one of those moments where she could actually believe he was a deacon and a formidable magic user.

"Should we take your current lack of general urgency to mean you succeeded in your ambition?"

"What do you think?" Scarlett asked.

His mouth pressed thin. He held her look for a few seconds before lowering his gaze. "I am not the Augur. I can't claim Ittar's words as my own. But through the fragments of connection granted to me…it seems plain enough that something momentous has transpired. Something that may alter how the world functions."

"Then you are correct."

The others exchanged looks. Allyssa was the next to speak.

"So it's done, then? You've…killed Fate?"

Scarlett turned towards her, considering, then gave a single nod. "Yes."

The girl swallowed, licking her lips and glancing between her father and Raimond. "They told us a bit about what Fate was while you were gone. I don't know if we got the full picture, but…I think we got the gist."

"And what is that 'gist'?"

"Well…" Allyssa hesitated, then shrugged faintly. "It's just fate, isn't it? Destiny. But maybe a bit more literal than we usually think of it. And…scarier, judging by everything we've seen so far."

Scarlett was quiet for a moment. "…Indeed."

"But is there a reason you didn't tell us about this before?" Allyssa asked carefully.

"There is."

"I assume it's got something to do with you standing against Fate and all of that?"

"It does."

"Mm. I figured." Allyssa nodded towards Shin. "He thinks he knows why."

Scarlett shifted her gaze to him. "Is that so?"

Shin rubbed at the back of his neck. He'd removed part of his armour and was now dressed in a fresh undershirt. "It seems fairly obvious you were worried we might react poorly if we learned our choices have all been guided by Fate."

Scarlett held his gaze. "Quite."

"Then you underestimated us," Allyssa said with a quick grin. "Who cares about things like that?"

Scarlett looked back at her. "…I am glad to hear it does not bother you. With that said, I fear you may be underestimating what Fate truly was, and what you still do not know."

The girl's smile faltered. "There's more?"

"There always is," Scarlett said, shaking her head. "In this case, it is much, much more involved than you might think. Some of it I have known for some time, and I did promise to share it with you. I still will, if you wish. Other knowledge I have only recently uncovered — and I would not, in honesty, recommend you take it on. But if you wish it, I will share that as well."

She…didn't plan to reveal her true origin, nor the game behind it all. But she could explain Fate, Time, The Other, the Anomalous One; the reflections they'd met in Beld Thylelion; what set Fynn and Rosa apart, and what might come next.

She was sure they could take it, but whether they could had never been the issue.

"However," she continued, eyes moving over Allyssa, Shin, Kat, and Fynn, "I ask that you consider carefully before choosing to hear it all. Ignorance will not hinder your ability to aid me."

Her concern was mostly for Fynn and Rosa. Rosa especially, considering how much the bard had suffered under the weight of a pre-written script.

Allyssa didn't look quite as confident as before, though not afraid either. She exchanged a quiet look with Shin, as if silently debating their answer.

"You can take a day," Scarlett said. "It may help to first process what has already transpired here and in Beld Thylelion. And that discussion is best held in a calmer setting." She paused. "Also, I have to prepare charts."

That earned her several stares.

"…Was that a joke, or are you serious?" Kat asked.

"What do you think?"

"No, no, don't start with that." Kat raised a hand. "You'll make me paranoid."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

"Very well. Then yes — it was a joke. Partially."

She might actually make some diagrams if she found the time.

Kat squinted at her, sighed, and pinched her brow. "I feel like you used to be a lot worse at humour, but somehow, that was better. I'll have to ask Rosa how she manages you."

Scarlett arched a brow, feeling she should object to that last remark, but experience with Rosa had taught her that arguing often left her at the disadvantage. She let it pass, turning her attention to Raimond and Arnaud, who were watching her patiently.

"So," she said. "Any questions from you?"

"As I am wont with all matters of mystery and intrigue, I suspect I already know the answer," Raimond replied. "Yet tell me — does your offer of hidden truths extend to me as well?"

"It does not."

"That is a pity."

"I can still share information with you, but the breadth and depth of it will depend on the shape of our relationship moving forward." She shifted her gaze. "That applies to you as well, Mister Astrey."

The older Shielder's moustache twitched as he lowered his head. "I suspected as much."

"Consider this a form of preliminary negotiation, then," Scarlett said. "Allow me to speak plainly. Do either of you intend to oppose me by force from here on?"

The two men glanced at each other, then back at her.

"You know my stance, Baroness," Arnaud replied. "If your actions suggest you are a threat to the empire or its people—or if I believe you've recklessly endangered the lives of my daughter and Shin—you will find me your enemy."

"I am aware. The question, then, is whether you believe that to be the case."

He studied her a long moment, then looked past her towards Yamina. "…For now, no. Though I've learned that should you become a threat, you might well eclipse both the Hallowed Cabal and the Undead Council combined."

"That is generous, if a touch disquieting. But I take it to mean you do not intend to oppose me at present." Her eyes moved to Raimond. "And you, Deacon Abram? Is your answer the same?"

The priest regarded her in silence, then ran a hand through his long hair, releasing a weary sigh.

"I have many, many concerns, as well as questions. But much as during our…liaisons when the Citadel of a Vile appeared, you have again placed me in a position where, were I to entirely refuse this 'olive branch' you've extended and oppose you in my capacity as deacon, I'd be casting aside a host of crucial opportunities. And as much as I—and I beg you believe me when I say this—grow fatigued with being led by the nose through your endless contrivances, I am nevertheless not so reckless as to throw the proverbial baby out with its bathwater, as some of my more impetuous peers might be inclined to do."

Scarlett gave him a flat look. "That was a rather long-winded way of saying 'yes'."

Raimond flourished a tired hand. "Yes."

Scarlett let out the faintest chuckle. "Very well. Then perhaps we should address the matter I know weighs on both your minds." She gestured at Slate, standing silently and unmoving behind her. "Namely, the fate of the Tribute of Dominion."

"Do you intend to keep her with you?" Arnaud asked immediately, his gaze turning sharp.

"I do," Scarlett answered. "Neither the Guild nor the Followers can guarantee her safety. You may have numbers and strength, but against the Cabal and the Council, secrecy and understanding are paramount — and neither of your factions can offer that. I can."

She'd eliminated every Cabal member in Beld Thylelion who had seen her face. For now, they wouldn't know she had the Tribute. And even if they learned, she would soon have what she needed to ensure Slate remained beyond their reach.

"You've voiced your distrust in the Guild's abilities before," Arnaud said slowly. "I am still not convinced it's entirely justified. But even if it were, the Guild would be safer than your estate. You have my word we would safeguard her. I'm also certain we could reach an agreement for cooperation between you and the Guild."

"And while the Followers may have their flaws," Raimond added, "our sanctuaries are not so easily breached. Not even the Cabal could strike them openly. As charming as your estate is, Baroness, I daresay it's far more vulnerable."

Scarlett crossed her arms. "I disagree. Regardless, I will not entrust the Tribute to either of you. Tell me, what would you have the Tribute do, once in your keeping?"

Her eyes shifted between them, and both men hesitated.

Raimond was first to relent, spreading his hands in weary concession. "I confess, I cannot say. My foremost aim would be to ensure it doesn't fall into our common foes' clutches. But really, Baroness, is that not a rather cruel question — especially given the disparity of knowledge you so gleefully maintain between us? That said, I've little doubt the Augur could divine some measure of truth if granted the chance to interact with the Tribute more closely."

"Perhaps. But I would not be so sure."

Her gaze moved to Arnaud.

He exhaled. "It wouldn't be for me alone to decide. If you would work with us, we could determine together what use the Tribute might serve."

"I am willing to cooperate to a degree," Scarlett said. "But the Tribute remains under my protection. And I must be kept informed of every individual who learns of this, and why. In exchange, I would allow limited oversight by the Guild."

She'd originally considered cutting herself off from both Guild and Followers entirely once Beld Thylelion was gone, to hide Slate completely. But the current circumstances complicated that plan. So did her latest quest to join or form a faction. She doubted it was as easy as it sounded, but whatever course she chose, cultivating her ties with powerful figures in both camps was better than not.

"Ehm, aren't we going to ask Slate what she thinks about this?" Allyssa broke in suddenly.

The three of them turned to her.

Arnaud's brow creased faintly, while Raimond's face took on a more sombre cast.

"Allyssa," Scarlett said. "While your compassion is commendable, the Tribute of Dominion is an entity that will decide the course of the world itself. These matters must be addressed regardless of sentiment."

"But you could at least ask her, couldn't you?" Allyssa pressed. "I know you're not that cruel, Scarlett."

Scarlett looked at her silently for several seconds, then looked to Slate. "Do you wish to make this decision yourself?"

Slate didn't answer immediately, but a frown did form on her brow, emerald eyes narrowing.

"No."

"Do you see?" Scarlett looked back at Allyssa. "I understand your desire to treat her as an ordinary human girl, but the truth is that she is not. To pretend otherwise would be its own cruelty. I do not mean to say that she is to be treated as an object, but she has yet to live for even a full day." She paused, a lower sincerity entering her tone. "She will need time before she can choose to be more than what she was made to be, Allyssa."

Allyssa pressed her lips together, eyes shifting towards Slate with a conflicted look, but in the end she gave a small nod.

Scarlett turned back to Arnaud and Raimond.

"The details can be arranged later, but would you agree to a preliminary accord? One that leaves the Tribute in my custody, but establishes a degree of cooperation between us. That would naturally include an exchange of information and coordination where appropriate."

Arnaud studied her closely, then let his gaze drift to Allyssa and Shin, then briefly to Kat, before returning to Scarlett. "I'll hear what the Guild has to say on the matter. That's all I can promise."

Scarlett inclined her head. "And all I ask is that you exercise caution in how—and to whom—you present it. The Guild is not immune to malevolent actors. And you, Deacon?"

Raimond looked notably more uncertain than Arnaud. "I…will confer with Deacon Solnate, at the very least. For obvious reasons, I won't raise the matter before the entire Quorum, but there is much I still need to work through. Earlier, you mentioned I might be granted access to the Tribute — to Slate. Can I trust that offer still stands?"

"Yes."

He executed a thin bow. "Then you do have my tentative assent. But I cannot promise it will be as harmonious as our prior…co-conspiracies."

"That will suffice."

Raimond cleared his throat and gestured towards Nol'viz. "With that settled, I must ask whether you have any particular plans for her?"

Scarlett's attention turned to the masked Cabal girl. Nol'viz's three eyes met hers briefly, then shifted, lingering on Slate. "…Do you wish to bring her with you?"

"Would you prefer I be perfectly candid, or delicately diplomatic? In either case, the answer is no, I'm afraid."

"Do you care whether she lives or not?"

That earned Scarlett a couple of sidelong looks from Allyssa and Kat.

Raimond considered her. "…I always care. Be it a Cabal member or a common soul."

Scarlett fell quiet. Nol'viz was a complicated case. The simplest solution was death — removing a threat and ensuring she could never escape to reveal Slate's whereabouts. But Scarlett had to admit she was hesitant to kill the girl. And even ignoring that, there were still unanswered questions surrounding Nol'viz, such as her ties to the ancient dragon beneath the Resting Eye.

Though with Slate's presence, perhaps some of those mysteries could finally be unravelled.

"I believe we can take her," Scarlett finally said. "I will ensure she cannot escape, and perhaps she will yield some information."

"Are you sure?" Raimond asked.

She nodded. "Yes."

A brief silence followed before she straightened. "Does anyone else have business here that cannot wait?"

The others looked around the chamber.

"I would like a word with Yamina," Arnaud said.

"Unfortunately, Senior Wizard Ward will be preoccupied for the foreseeable future," Scarlett replied. "You will have to reach her later. She will remain here, but she has prepared a Kilnstone for our departure. I expect both of you—" her gaze flicked between him and Raimond—"have matters waiting in Elystead."

Kat tilted her head. "Is there nothing left for us in Beld Thylelion?"

Scarlett shook her head. "No. For us, Freybrook is next."

She had tied off every thread she could while dealing with the Cabal groups, including her promise to the Countess. Now, with Fate undone and the Tribute in her care, her focus turned to securing what she needed to ensure the Cabal couldn't just erase her existence whenever they wanted.

She glanced around at her companions, meeting each of their eyes in turn. "Then we will take our leave."

She raised her voice. "Yamina."

The woman looked away from her work for only a moment, offering a small smile and a wave. The runes beneath their feet flared to life.

Light surged upward, engulfing them whole.

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