“It looks like I’m going to have to depart ahead of schedule.” I apologised to Asha, who was idly tending to the field of pnts she had created, and Hyath had strengthened, using the rich elemental energies her Rhyming Tree was outputting. “I’ve sent Shiro a message to end her Berserk Blessing, but if you could remind her… I don’t want your Tree, or you, to suffer any harm, especially not now.”

  “I shall do so.” Asha smiled warmly. “We knew you would have to veo the Boundary in fn ually. It merely es a few days soohan expected.”

  I that. Yeah, getting by without leaving here was very unlikely. That doesn’t mean I worry ahough…

  Seeing my s, Asha stood from her field of ginseng and other herbs. She gently brushed dirt off her green dress, one of her favourite colours, it seemed, as she often wore some variant of the shade, and she then came over, sitting beside me, leaning her body against mine. Asha wasn’t particurly demonstrative of her physical affe, though of course we had made love a few times, but as a Dryad she had a rather low sexual drive. It seems she’s abnormally fertile though, that or we’re just lucky…

  “I know you worry. But… take it from one who knows. You ot be everywhere, protect everyo all times. Not unless you gather everyone you care about together, and hide away. And… that way is merely deying the iable. After all, did the might of the Seelie Court prevent the loss of the Spring, and my long suffering, the death of my sisters?”

  I shook my head, uanding her point. “I know. Even if we did all hunker down together, we’d slow rowth, stunt our potential, leave our fates in the hands of others. But… it doesn’t stop me w.” I idly stroked Asha’s long, auburn hair, and her smile was brillia warm.

  “Nor should it. Everyone is delighted when you worry for them. I know I am, it shows our hearts are ected. Though… we also do not wish for you to worry. Emotions… love… it is rather plicated. We Dryads have it better…” Her smile ged, now teasing, an unusual look for Asha. Perhaps now she is no longer alone, and is engaging with others, her personality is adapting?

  “…after all, we find just oe in our lives, and then fruit. You… you have many within yrasp.”

  “Most men would say I’m a lucky bastard…” I disagreed, and she chuckled softly.

  “Maybe so. Everyone is special. I see that. But… while you receive much love and joy, each is also a weight to carry. If it was just me, or even a handful, then you could perhaps keep us all safe within yrasp, but… that is not your fate. Nor should you ment that. Princess Shaeu is correct. You are destined freat things. Else I could not have been saved. And not just me. Even now, a being of oerrible power lives humbly in your home, a match for even my father, great Orion, I would imagine. Both are wounded, but… Tamamo-no-Mae will recover with your care, will she not?”

  “She will.” I agreed, still unsure of what to do with her, but I believed Uranai’s prophecies, as passed onto me by Shinkume-no-Hana. I do feel better having Mae here. Even if she only ma most of her abilities for a short time… I’m sure that would be immense… “Holy, Shaeu is curious to see if we heal the King of the Fae, perhaps together, especially if we enlist aid from Bintara as well… it might be doable. Of course, she wouldn’t do it for free…” I had to ugh at that, while feeling a little guilty. While Orion was more a spiritual father to Asha, the Fae took such matters seriously.

  “Nor should she.” Asha agreed, surprising me. “Kindness, passion… they are worthy deeds, but… you have itments now. To us.” She patted her belly tenderly. “To our children. Those you love should not be disadvantaged by your charity.”

  “ I touch it?” I asked, and Asha merely guided my hand to her stomach, sliding it inside her dress. Her skin was warm, and soft. “I suppose it’s too young to feel them moving? Or do Fae even do that?”

  “Perhaps. Fae pregnancies are… malleable. I expect mio be more so. After all, you are irely a Fae, nor mortal. Who say how our fruits will grow? Yet I know they will be well-loved.”

  “I still find it hard to imagine…” I admitted. “I knew in my head one day I might settle down and have children, but it all seemed so abstract, distant. But I don’t want you to think I’m not thrilled…” I hastily assured Asha, who merely smiled in response. “…it’s just… it’s a big responsibility. Now I have to leave the world a better pce, for our children, and the childreo e. And… that’s hard, isn’t it? Ordinary parents half a year ago were w about house prices, education, crime… we have to worry about the oning apocalypse, dangerous Chosen, rising tensions…”

  “It is no different. It is just more to protect. But… we all are responsible for that. You ot carry it all alone, nor should you.” Asha reassured me. “I may not be strong myself, but… I too will defend what I cherish. I owe it… to those that perished so I might live, to our budding fruits, and … to you, who shared my Kiss I only give once.” She kissed me then, a gentle, fortable kiss. It didn’t have the deep passion of some of the others, but I could taste her love, and when we separated, our lips and tongues damp, I tiroking her belly, making the most of this brief, calming interlude.

  With my free hand I gestured to her colossal and slowly growing Rhyming Tree that towered over the heart of the Territory. Up oerrace above I could hear the voices of denizens of our Territory enjoying their rest aion. “Not strong? Without your Tree, none of this would be possible.” I assured her. “But yeah… I know. Everyone’s w so hard to be able to protect themselves, and each other. I’m happy, but also worried. But… I ’t be everywhere at once. I have to accept that. We ’t st to grow stronger.”

  Asha nodded, agreeing, and I ged the subject. “It’s nearly time for the charity cert here in Japan, right? I’m sorry I’m missing it, but I know everyone’s excited. Especially my sis… Kana too.”

  “Yes, they seem rather joyful.” Asha agreed. “I do not quite uand the appeal myself.”

  “So what’s your pns for the day?” I asked, enjoying these st few peaceful moments here, as soon I would be dismissing this half of me and recreating it in Botswana.

  “I shall tend my fields and the Trees for a while. The herbs are not to Daiyu’s satisfa yet, though it is but early in my experiments. Then… I shall be spending time with your family at our home.” Her slightly green cheeks were tinged with faint pink. “I fess it a little discerting how they fuss over me so. I am not used to it, though it is far from unpleasant.”

  “Yeah, it’s a big thing, mom’s first grandkids. No wonder she’s thrilled.” I ughed cheerfully, thinking of my excitable mother. “She always imagined me and Eri having kids together… I guess she’s still n, but now… mom’s just like that famous meme from the film Predator, where they csp hands. Both Shaeu and mom seem obsessed with me increasing my wives.” I chuckled dryly. “Mom really wants that team of grandchildren.”

  “Predator?” Asha asked, fused, and I shrugged.

  “It’s an old Ameri film. I saw it a few years ago. It’s not bad. But that’s not the point… it was just a joke.” I snorted, amused. “If you ask Shiro, I daresay she’d be able to expin the meme. All that matters is… mom’s thrilled. And… holy, I am too, though I’m equal parts scared!”

  “Your mother said that everyone is frighte first.” Asha reassured me. “But she believes in you. Your father does as well. It seems that you turned out fine in the end, he said.”

  I shrugged at that. “Yeah, father… well, he doted on Aiko more than me, but I guess girls are more adorable than boys? I was hat close to him, but… I certainly respect him. And… things are better now. But I think I’ll be a more supportive parent, at least I hope so.”

  “So, you wish me to be the stern one?” I bli Asha’s words, before I realised she was making a joke, and I pulled her close, pyfully toying with her hair, enjoying the st few moments of peace before iable trouble engulfed me…

  Ba the Material in Botswana, we had he helicopter flying away to refuel for our return. Hinata watched it go, before turning to me, whispering so quietly hopefully only I could hear. “There’s clearly more to this than we’ve been told. I know you know that, but…” She gnced over at Christina Bakker, troubled. “…is bringing her wise? I’ve no love for her, how could I? She would have tortured or even killed you if you weren’t strong enough to protect yourself. But… she’s useful still. We don’t have to like her to use her…”

  I nodded, using a trickle of wind to hide my voice from the others. “It might cause issues with the Ameris if she dies under our custody, but… if she is trying to atone, in her own way, even if it’s stupid… I ’t find it io dehe ce. But don’t worry, you’re my priority!”

  “Kazumi too, make sure you save her!” Hinata whispered, and I hough we both knew if the worst happened, Hinata would have to be my ultimate priority. It shouldn’t e to that though, I hope. Fortuhe worst dahe Material bodies, isn’t an issue for me anymore as I watch over them…

  “So, we are here.” Midas decred, and I nodded, sure that the seeds I was searg for had to be involved in whatever Midas needed me for. After all, the ce of this small town we had nded beside being in near enough the exact same area as where we were headed was too obvious to ignore.

  “Yes, so… you avoided expining iail during the flight.” I observed. “But it’s time to e . We ’t help if we aren’t aware of just what’s going on.”

  “In that case… we should go to my home.” Midas offered, and I raised an eyebrow quizzically.

  “So, you just happen to live he problem?”

  Midas frowned for a moment, but quickly shook his head. “You are hardly a fool, and have seen many things. Power is drawn to power, and trouble often es unbidden. Now… follow me.”

  He led us through the streets, mostly deserted due to it bei night, and I was on high alert, and wasn’t the only one. While Christina was looking around, her eyes a little unfocused, clearly still not mentally sound, both Titan and Adelheid were wary, Kazumi-san too, of course, she was keeping close to Hinata, and she was also carrying some hidden ons made by Ixitt.

  “Shit. Feel that?” Adelheid grumbled as roached a modest yet well-kept house. She was rubbing at her arms, a chill at odds with the warm Afriight, and it was a feeling I uood.

  “Yeah, it’s a Territory. His, I presume.” I Midas, who seemed uned. “It’s a strong ooo. Rank three. So he’s either worked hard or is damn lucky, upgrading that far is risky.”

  “I know that. Though mine is gone now. You owe me for that, you promised, remember? If you try and cheat me…”

  “You’re a cautious one, aren’t you?” I chuckled. “You’ve spoken to Hinata, you know I’m not that sort of man. Anyway… we’re here.”

  Indeed, we had arrived, and Midas opehe drandly. “I hope you aren’t offended by my humble home. I know it seems… strahat with my golden touch I live so pinly, but… home is where the heart is, so they say. Please e in, and… you are wele here, have no fear.” He addressed us Chosen.

  “I don’t get it…” Christina’s eyes regained a little light as she grabbed my arm, holding me back as Titahe others in. “If he had such a stable home, there’s no way we should have so little information about him. It doesn’t add up. Midas is one of the cats… uh… sorry, Chosen… that Adam has been most ied in.”

  I agreed. “Yeah, there’s something odd here. And I don’t think Titan or Adelheid noticed, but I’m more sensitive… anyway, we o go.” She seemed annoyed I didn’t tell her what I had noticed, but the odd thing was when Midas said we were wele here, the sense of oppressioerriteed didn’t decrease. So, it’s either… we’re not wele at all, or… it’s not his…

  I heard versation in a nguage I didn’t uand, a woman’s voice, and then as we all gathered in the living room, a woman in perhaps her te twenties walked in. She was actually rather beautiful, with ebony skin and deep blue eyes, as well as golden-brown hair that was down to her shoulders, but with a long ponytail down to her bottom. Oh, actually I only see one eye. Half of her face is covered by hair… hmm.

  Seeing us all there, she smiled, lips curving up, before speaking to Midas. They exged words, before the woman ged to English. “I see. Yuests of my husband. How rude of me. He should have let me know you were ing. I suppose you call me… Hermodike.”

  I didn’t get the reference, and Midas snorted, clearly regarding his wife with great affe. “If I am Midas, then my wife would be Hermodike. Though I’ve heard it said differently.”

  “Take a seat, let me get you some ko nuts and wine. You have e a long way, you must be exhausted. Not everyone is as strong as my dear husband.” Hermodike procimed, but before she could, it was Christina who spoke up, showing nard for the mood as usual.

  “Your… face. It’s… rather damaged, isn’t it?” she asked. “And the way you are walking. Y too?” Her legs were hidden by a long, prettily decorated skirt, so it was hard to see, but yes, she was walking with a slight hit her steps.

  “Of course she is.” Midas was radiating pressure, his hidden League released, and it was strong. On a par with Nkosi’s, who was hardly weak. Hinata and Kazumi-san stepped backwards behind me, while Titan and Adelheid grimaced. Christina looked quite sid pale, shaking, but she didn’t back down at Midas’ anger.

  “And you would know why, stist, researcher!” His expression was baleful, but I uood and even sympathised. If Hinata here was wounded… “After all, yents and snatch squads caught my wife in several attempts to kidnap me. Is it any wonder I brought them death?” He turo me then. “Would you do any less?”

  “Holy? I’d try ahe deaths minimal, but if they hurt Hinata here from either carelessness or malice… I’d have niveness for them.” I agreed, and Hinata blushed behind me, looking delighted.

  “So…” he turned back to Christina, while Hermodike promised she was fine now, trying to calm him down. Now that’s also unusual. I think I get it…

  “…was it worth it, dragging is into your mess? Hurting and killing others just for knowledge. I am not a particurly religious man, even now, but… I believe in the West, Christians believe the inal sin was stolen knowledge, wasn’t it?”

  “All knowledge is necessary.” Christina, shuddering and trembling, tears and snot dripping down her face from the effort of meeting his fury, pulled her b coat around her like armour. “But… the ways we get it… they might be wrong. But… I’m n to be cruel. Poor little Christina, always misuood, even when I’m being kind…” She smiled, but it was more like a grimace. “…you were at the ga. I didn’t show my face, but… Miss Lindiwe recovered from grave illness, thanks to Akio here. He could… heal your wife. I know it.”

  I see. So she wasn’t trying to be inquisitive. “I believe I could.” I agreed. “Although that takes a lot of trust.”

  Midas g his wife, who definitely dispyed a yearning, but also her visible blue eye showed wariness. “Get them bowls of wine.” he said at st. “We must show our hospitality. We aren’t savages. Even if some treat us as if we are far from human.” Christina wi that. “Anyway, sit down. And then we will talk.”

  Once we were all seated, Hinata beside me, of course, and richly decorated pottery bowls rant wine were served, along with nuts and fruits, many drizzled i honey, as well as spiced milk, we began to talk, but not before taking several sips of wine and at least a handful of food. Seeing that, both Midas and Hermodike rexed.

  “Thanks for your hospitality.” I said, g my hands together in Japanese fashion. “But we o get to the point. Just what’s going on that’s ging people? And how is it reted to here?”

  “It is quite simple. There is a dark wanderer who has e to these nds, and he has found a sacred treasure.” Midas narrowed his eyes. “At first, I left him alone. But his power now is too… entig. Many e seeking his newfound strength, and all leave… ged. The powers they had became different, stronger, yet… less pure.” He grimaced, running a hand over his poorly shaved head, and his wife tutted.

  “Your beautiful golden hair. I wept when you cut it.” She gred at Christina, who managed a nervous ugh.

  “I wept when you were caught up in my affairs and wounded. I am thankful it wasn’t worse.” Midas replied tenderly. “But I digress.” He fixed us with a fierce gre. “You saw it. The Scales Of Judgement?”

  I nodded, not wanting to give too much away, especially now, but I had to expin a little. “Yes, I’m quite experienced with other Chosen and their abilities. I could tell something was off about it. Besides, now I think about it, I’ve heard the myth. It’s not an unon one in games. The Scales should have weighed the heart against sins, not against whatever Janco chose, right?”

  “Ma’at’s feather.” Hermodike said softly, and when we looked at her, she smiled, though now we knew what we were looking for, we could see how half her face was rather frozen, even the unhidden part. “Egypt is in Africa, though far to our north, of course we know the myths. Besides my husband, he was weak, but clever. He loved to study, to read about adventures in archaeology, uhing treasures, finding lost tombs… though he is my treasure.” she said fondly, and he smiled back.

  Yeah they seem genuine enough as husband and wife. I guess it’s just one more example of the irony of the Gods… “More importantly though, before we came here, you told us you thought, or you believed. Now it seems you are certain. It isn’t good, deceiving us.” I warned, and he shrugged.

  “Until you agreed to aid us, I was keeping my knowledge hidden. After all… there’s the danger you would then dismiss my pleas, ahe wanderer yourself. It is a risk I was unwilling to take. Have you shared everything with me? I think not. Anyway, you imagihe temptation the favoured of the Gods are uhough Nkosi and his panions have resisted the temptations so far… but if row stronger, he has to submit, adapt or die.” Midas expined. “Africa is in a good pce, despite the interference of outsiders.” He glowered at Christina again. Strangely enough she didn’t seem to enjoy others bullying her.

  “We settle our own struggles, and the most fit to lead us will emerge.” Midas tinued, but Adelheid scoffed, rattling of harsh words in German. I transted for her, and Midas frow her words.

  “She says do you mean you should lead? Our Tanya thinks those that talk of the best pced to rule always mean themselves.”

  “My name isn’t Tanya!” Adelheid grumbled, though I noticed her hands were still ferrying nuts and fruit to her mouth, and her cheeks and lips were wet with wine.

  “Her point is a good ohough.” Hinata agreed. “I certainly see the merits of petition, I firmly support Akio in a simir one in Japan… but the killing, the faal disputes… isn’t it so wasteful? Every Chosen is precious.”

  “It is the way of things. Nkosi would brag about being a lion… and a pride must drive away or kill rivals. Dino, and the other warlords think the same way.”

  “And you?” Hinata asked the question of Midas for me.

  “That’s quite enough of that, young dy.” Hermodike said softly, putting down bowls of ice-cream for her, Kazumi-san and Adelheid. “A young girl such as yourself shouldn’t be involved in such troublesome matters.” She fixed me with a stern gaze then, disapproving. “And you… my husband is stantly targeted. If he didn’t have a number of other pces to call home to distract his ehen this pce could bee a battleground. You shouldn’t bring such a girl to danger! You should marry her and make babies when she’s older!”

  Hinata flushed at that. “I’m not as young as I look! anese always look youo Westerners. You’re all just big!” She paused, embarrassed, as Kazumi-san was chug behind her, and Adelheid was rolling her eyes. Still eating though. I guess her past makes her eager to fill up when she …

  “Anyway… there’s no time for childre. While I’m jealous of Asha a little… I’ve too much to do to set us up properly!” Hinata tinued. “My point stands, though. It’s not wise to be wasteful. You must know the world will ge, and strength will be o fend it off?”

  “Of course. But there only be one on top of the mountain, one… Astral Emperor, no?” Midas narrowed his eyes. “And power… be found other ways. Hehis predit. Better to be strong themselves, and remove a rival, than share the fruits of victory.”

  “So narrow-minded.” Hinata sighed. “That’s why Akio’s a bigger man than these fools. He delights in rowth, and that of his allies. If he was so cowardly, there’d be no Shaeu, Grulgor or more… and what of you?” she asked him boldly. “ you tell us you’ve not availed yourself of these powers?”

  Midas merely met her gaze calmly, before sn. “I like outspoken women. My wife has a sharp tooo. But… this is a matter for those of us who have the strength to make a difference.” He then finished his expnation. “I have sidered dealing with the wanderer, but… he is strong. Perhaps I could have formed an alliah Nkosi or one of the other few who hold out, but… doing it that way, Dino or others tied to the wanderer would use that opportunity. My hands are tied… without outside help. And in exge… I will cover this up, and allow you to perform yious observations.”

  I exged looks with Hinata and Adelheid, before Adelheid shrugged, and Hinata nodded. “ we have a little privacy just to make sure of a few things?” I asked.

  “By my guest.” Midas agreed. “I have not seen my dear wife in several days, and we will be departing again shortly, so…”

  “Hold on a sed.” Christina interrupted again, struggling through the stares of antipathy she received. “I feel rather… unpleasant… about how things turned out here. I wasn’t the one who sent the agents who hurt your wife, that was Adam, but…” She swallowed, gng at me. “…I see I’m not . I never cared about blood, others’ or my own, but… it’s better to not hurt people, isn’t it? And… Akio heal your wife. As for the cost… I’ll pay it. As a small apology. I mean it. I’m… sorry, worthless though that is.” She g me, looking impl, but I caught a faint spark of the old Christina in her eyes, teasing, inquisitive and urgio do this.

  “I . My Eye guides my Healing. It’s hardly my only talent, but holy, my Healing and Chirurgery are priceless.” I agreed, careful again not to lie, but to imply that my Eye was a Healing gift. I didn’t much care for lying before, but now I’m a Faedui’s ever more important I stay truthful. Besides, it’s being more obvious that karma is more integral to how things work than I ever imagined, so avoiding bad deeds is wise unless otherwise impossible.

  I watched carefully, focussing all my perception on Midas and his wife. Now I had dismissed my Astral body and wasn’t b under resoh Shiro’s painful buffs, I was clearheaded and alert, a pleasant feeling. The two of them exged a silent gheir faces outwardly expressionless, but I could pick up on miraces that perhaps only two people who had known and been in love with each other for years would see.

  She’s nervous, as well she might be. He clearly hates her wounds, and wants her healed, but… he’s also wary of me. A natural set of emotions maybe, but… the wariness isn’t of potential harm, I don’t think…

  “I would hardly wish to put you to any trouble. We are…” he began, but Christina broke in eagerly.

  “It’s no trouble. I’ve thrown my lot in with Akio… uh… I’ve burnt my bridges with Adam, he’s so going to disappear me… now that Akio’s no loing to pretend to be my boyfriend…” Her face fell in a fairly ving facsimile of sadness.

  “I… think ya be irouble.” Titan agreed. “I be not saying anything, I have to be ho, I don’t much like ya, but I’ve been ya guard for a while. But… he always knows.”

  “So yes, poor little Christina is going to end up the way many of my test subjects did. Unmarked grave. So at least let me help this o time… I ’t turn back the past, but… at least some victims returned home safely, and be helped. Your injuries too…” she Hermodike. “…I’m a beautiful woman, though for some reason Akio hasn’t succumbed to my charms. It’s uific!” she cried, though her face ale. “Wounding us is like throwing paint on the Mona Lisa! At least let Akio restore such a work of art!”

  She’s ying it on thick. It’s simir to how she talked before, but not quite the same…

  “But you’d happily destroy such art, you Ameris, if it wasn’t yours.” Midas snorted. “Always the same. You look down on us. And you would do worse, re down to pigments just to see how it worked.”

  “I would, and have. Therefore, is it s to want to see the paint put ba its pce?” She crossed her arms triumphantly, and Hermodike sighed.

  “My husband worries so. You uand, surely?” I her words, g Hinata’s hand.

  “In that case… if you swear to only heal my wounds, and not affect me in other ways, I would be happy to be beautiful again.”

  “You’re still beautiful!” Midas grated, and Hermodike ughed lightly.

  “Oh, you.” Her words were fond. “If you do attempt to harm me, my husband is quite overprotective. And powerful, the stro in Africa!”

  “Yes, you will see why my gold is not mere baubles for the wealthy to enjoy.” He promised. “I know you are powerful, but I am he called Midas. My touch is death, just as Zo? became gold at his careless tact.” His gre was fierce.

  “Don’t worry.” I promised, and as my phone vibrated in my pocket silently, I g Christina, who wi me subtly. “I always treat women with respect.”

  “In that case…” Hermodike’s smile was shy. “I show my face, but I would hope you don’t o see my leg. I am a modest woman, that is for my husband’s eyes only.”

  “I wouldn’t go quite that far.” Hinata giggled. “I don’t hate shorter skirts, but I agree my most attractive appearance is only for Akio.”

  “Your idea of a shorter skirt is still to the knees.” Kazumi-san rolled her eyes. “Hanafubuki education is strideed.”

  There was some ughter at that, and I assured her I wouldn’t o see her leg, as my Eye would direct the healing regardless, again implying it was a healing eye. Midas nodded. “I am curious, my knowledge of hology is st. Perhaps one God has su eye they bequeathed you?”

  “Maybe so.” I asked them to fetch a few things, and as they turned away, I took out my phone, and Christina smirked as I quickly g her message. ‘I’m getting you a ce, don’t waste it’, huh? How did she notice?

  With damp towels and a bowl in hand, as well as some soothing lotion, which were just a distra, I let my Eye shihough I tried to mute the glow with light element as much as possible. Nodding, I grimaced. “Yes, actually the outside of y isn’t too bad, but the muscles, nerves and bones are also quite degraded. There are metal fragments inside. From… bullets, I’d imagine?”

  Midas nodded sourly. “Yes, from Ameri bullets. They died for it, though.”

  “I fix that, though it’ll hurt a little. The face… don’t worry, it’ll be as good as new.” Yeah, some sort of burn or shrapnel scarring across one cheek and around her eye. She was lucky she wasn’t blihough I suppose it’s not just luck…

  I the my aether free, and while it was a bit of a challenge removing the fragments of metal from muscle and bohout disturbing her skirt, I ma, and soon the bowl was full of bloody fragments, her body healed up, and it was far easier to fix her face. With a tremulous smile, she brushed her long hair aside, revealing her restored cheek and forehead.

  Watg closely, I noticed a bit ret in Hermodike’s eyes, but it was quickly covered by happiness. As Midas fussed over his wife, Christina gave me a thumbs-up, and mouthed “did you see?” at me. I ined my head, slightly thankful her efforts had given me a graceful ce to have a look at Hermodike and Midas without drawing suspi.

  “I see why Miss Lindiwe and her father are so delighted. Your healing is indeed a great talent. We have found who have such blessings.” Midas nodded gratefully. “I appreciate this aid, and…” He frow Christina. “There is niveness, for I know you have the blood of my Afri brothers and sisters on your hands, among many others, but… there is gratitude.”

  “I do it because it’s right!” Christina said proudly, the irony not lost on us all. It wasn’t ving, especially the way she was eyei of the er of her eyes, trying to see how I reacted, her face pink. “Not because I expect to be fiven. Sadly… were I to travel ba time, I’d likely do the same thing again. Because I didn’t know there was someone like Akio…” Her face twitched, and she realised she had said too much. “…his healing eye would make my experiments much safer and less painful. It would be practically humane!” she tittered nervously.

  “I suppose I respect your itment to forbidden knowledge, even if I doubt your humanity.” Midas then grimaced. “You betrayed your try, you say?” He g me then. “I wouldn’t be so sure you’ll die. As long as you g to him. But if you do, it will be what you deserve. But…” He ined his head in a polite manner. “…my wife and I will pour a st drink for you.”

  “Thanks, I suppose?” Christina shrugged.

  “In any case… to business. Will you aid me in dealing with the problem Africa has here?” Midas pressed. “It would be challenging for you to find your fallen Norse rade without my aid, as the favoured of southern Africa flock to the wanderer, and all agree no outsiders shall be tolerated in the Aral Land. But I smooth your path, despite the cost to my reputation and alliances.”

  “I see it’s an issue.” I agreed. “But…” I g my panions. “There’s risk, going to the Boundary.”

  “I’ll step out.” Hermodike said cheerfully. “After all, I show my face without shame again. Besides, we have guests, and hospitality is important.”

  “I offer you a secure room that be locked from the inside. Surely you hardly fear my frail wife beat down your door? Besides, yht the big man for that purpose, didn’t you?” Midas gri Titan, showing his teeth, and though Hinata squeezed my hand, I nodded.

  “Hardly frail, but don’t worry. I’m not worried, and I trust in your hoy.”

  Shown to a ste pantry which had a fairly sturdy wooden door with thick bolts, we were offered enough bo make it more fortable, and soon we were set up. It was cramped ihe girls having to huddle together, while Titan occupied another er.

  “Wao watch for ya, man?” Titan asked, and I shook my head.

  “While Hermodike, even if she unlocked the door, ’t do much… his words missed the point. It would be easy enough to get some strong men or Chosen here and break down the door. He’s not a fool, and knows I’m not oher. But… again, I don’t see the be for him in that, and he knows that too.”

  “There are other bes though, aren’t there?” Hinata was shrewd. “Miss Bakker, you pressed for Akio to Heal her. You noticed something…”

  “Why yes I did!” She crossed her arms under her chest proudly, looking a bit like her old, arrogant self. “But I won’t steal Akio’s thunder. I doubt this room is bugged, so…”

  I checked, but just in case shrouded us with wind. “Yes, she hides it well, perhaps because for some reasoats are absolutely lousy, expect for Aether. But Hermodike’s a Chosen too. And actually, she’s a matg pair with Midas.”

  “Yes, I have more experien notig the subtle ges. After all, I did experiment on myself and noticed what a little exposure could do.” Christina boasted. Then her mood ged mercurially, her face falling. “Sorry, I shouldn’t brag. The work was meaningful, I ’t deny that, but… I felt what it cost others.”

  “So, what Favour?” Hinata asked, and I lowered my voice still further.

  “Ajé-Shaluga, tected God and Goddess of prosperity, treasures and trade.” I replied, and Hinata widened her eyes, mind rag. Christina also worked it out quickly.

  “I’m no fool. You’re here for more than just religious rites. Just like you want Egil Anderson’s body. It’s the treasure Midas spoke of, isn’t it? That would make…”

  “…him or his wife the wahey spoke of? So… why bring us here?” Hinata finished for her.

  “I ahat.” I ughed grimly, and remembering what my Eye had seen, I started to speak…

  ShipTeaser