“I am pleased to encounter proper respect and greetings even so far from the capital, young man,” the demon says with a tone suffused with her authority and standing.

My eyes narrow, but my lips remain sealed.

She’s full of herself, just like Denji, if he was high on drugs, maybe.

Raising his head, Bryant offers a warm smile. “Indeed. I’m honored that you’ve decided to patronize my humble café. We don’t get many such as yourself these days. What nobles kept homes here have long since left for greener pastures in the south.”

The girl nods knowingly. “I’m aware that you don’t often encounter the highborn. My name is Asuseni of the House Melna, one of the High Houses of Silveta Pilsa.”

“From that far, are you?” Bryant cautiously asks, rising. “How wondrous to find a Lapvian so far from their capital.” He eyes the Alver soldiers flanking her. “Did you ride through the dangerous Deathswald that cuts us off from the Damned Lands and yours, or did you make your way across the Damned Lands themselves, through the equally dangerous hills across the river? You’re truly remarkable for having crossed such dangerous terrain over however many weeks it took.”

“Across the land?” She places a finger on her lips, smiling down on his idiocy. “Are you mad? No one crosses the Damned Lands, let alone the Feylands. Of a certainty, we could cut a path across, but the blood price wouldn’t be worth the passage when we have a more convenient route.”

With a gasp, Bryant bows his head again. “I apologize for my ignorance. Of course! You came by ship!”

“Indeed..” She beams at Bryant, rewarding him for his wit. “I arrived with an embassy at Alversbridge.”

Bryant strokes his beard, frowning. “My name’s Bryant. If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a question.”

Nodding her head graciously, Bryant goes on with his question, “I can understand envoys going to Alversbridge, but—”

Asuseni interrupts Bryant’s question, saying, “Hmmm… Actually, your questions begin to bore me, Byrant. Certain things are not meant to be said aloud. Especially not in the eyes of the public. Merely know that my presence will grace you for the weeks to come.”  Her eyes flash in my direction. Yipes! “Might I trouble you for the service of one of your lovely maids? Their service would be very much appreciated.” I look at Bryant with trepidation, vehemently shaking my head in the negative.

Without my plea required, Bryant’s expression firms immediately after Asuseni asks. He shakes his head with a rueful laugh. “I’d be happy to offer you what service I can, but my girls aren’t for sale. If you want fine service, you’ll have to continue to patronize my humble establishment.” He offers a florid bow, although even to my eyes somewhat clumsy.

Asuseni laughs softly, covering her mouth with a hand. “Very well. The ‘mansion’ that I’m borrowing across the plaza lacks… refinement. Since this community doesn’t have any maids to offer except for yours, it would seem that I’ll have to spend plenty of time here, indeed.”

I don’t think Ela could handle her, let alone delicate Saria. Brenna could handle her with her usual attitude, but I think she’s neatly saddled me with this noblewoman along with her dramatic acting.

“We’ll be honored to receive you here, my Lady Melna ...”

“Lady Asuseni, my good man. You may call me just Asuseni, though if you wish.” Asuseni says with what she assumes to be an easygoing manner and smiles. “The cake was divine, all things considered, but the kafi was still quite atrocious. Don’t you have any Lapvian blends on offer here?”

Bryant purses his lips thoughtfully, knuckling his forehead. “We don’t have any ‘Lapvian’ foods or drinks here. The caravans that used to carry goods from the east have long since been halted. The Mulgan refugees that call this community their home wouldn’t welcome such on the menu in any case. My apologies, Lady Asuseni. I must sell for the majority’s tastes.”

Asuseni’s eyes narrow and Bryant puts a hand up to forestall what seems to be brewing in her. “But I can brew kofi extra strong especially for you. Being as I was the one who brewed the batch that was sent out to you before, being this establishment’s only chef, I have a firm idea of what you’re after, my lady.” He bows again.

The storm fades from Asuseni’s eyes and she gives a gracious nod saying, “Please. Make haste. I find that all these questions have left me famished.” Her eyes don’t express any weakness whatsoever, no matter her words.

With a decisive nod, he gestures at me and we turn to leave to the interior and the kitchen. Asuseni calls after me with a lilting laugh, “You’re too proud for your station, mere maid. At least, Brenna had the good sense to curtsey upon seeing me. When you return, I’d like to see your best attempt.”

Chills race up my spine at her mocking words. It seems she’s gathered that I’ll most likely be the only one with the nerve to serve her kofi and cakes. Heaving a quiet suffering sigh, I follow Bryant and once in the kitchen, he grabs a container of the kofi and drops its entire contents in a boiling pot.

“Since we’ll be experimenting to discover her tastes, let’s start from the strongest end of the spectrum.” He clenches a fist with a grin. “We’ll see if this tastes like horse piss, eh?”

I’m not sure whether to call him courageous or reckless. 

My head tilts and I stare at the pot as it turns darker than the void I float in within my dreams. 

Getting dizzy while staring deeply into the simulated void of the nexus in the pot. It bubbles and churns, folds in on itself, the strong scents of rich kofi, stronger than I’ve ever smelled. Idly wondering if it’s possible to dream inside a dream, I think about all of my curious visions that I’ve been experiencing since coming to this place. It occurs whenever I’m looking deeply into someone’s eyes, dead or alive, happening seemingly at random, feeling like dreams. I walk with them through a part of their life. 

Are these things I want to see, or things that someone thinks I should know? Some of the details in these visions fade soon after waking, just like dreams do. What’s the nature of these dreams?

When the kofi finishes brewing, the smell of kofi in the kitchen is so strong that bile rises up in my throat. My hair stands on end.

I have nothing else to call this except for demon’s kofi.

“The demon’s kofi, eh?” Bryant seems to read my mind as he sets a steaming cup of it on the fake-silver tray that I’m holding. He laughs in glee, anticipating the outcome of a reasonable prank. Maybe he thought that Brenna was talking to him when she said to ‘avenge her.’

Wasn’t she asking me? I’m reasonably sure that she was looking right at me when she said it. My job is too new to risk shaking things up. I’m too new here. Maybe he gets that. I decide that I’ll give Asuseni as perfect service as I’m able until she leaves. Serving her will only make me better at the job, I guess.

Holding the tray in one uplifted hand, I walk back to the veranda with my skirt brushing against my thighs. I move through the low hum of conversation in the dining area, offering customers smiles as I pass. At least it’s cooler than it was when I worked in my new tights. Bustling around between tables is awfully hot work. Silver linings!

Putting on a bright smile for my customer, I ready myself to try one of those curtseys that I saw Saria doing the other day. It’s almost playing the role of a maid most days, but with a noble, things become very real.

Approaching the table with as much decorum as I can gather, I curtsey, holding the tray to my bosoms, my eyes lowered. I can’t, however, resist, looking up with a fierce expression, despite my resolve. Even though I’ve decided to do my best job at this, I won’t be a pushover for anyone. Looking up into Asuseni’s eyes, I see astonishment in her eyes. They flash when our eyes lock onto each other’s.

“Ah…”

The white mists roll in like foamy ocean waves to either side and everything but her face vanishes in total whiteness. The mists roll and churn and as usual, making me feel faint as darkness crashes in.

The tray that I’m holding goes flying into my view, cutting through the white mists as the cup spins and flips midair. In slow motion I see the black darkness of the kofi standing out against the whiteness. The last thing I see is Asuseni’s black dress getting drenched in hot extra-powerful demon-caliber kofi. Asuseni’s eyes widen in alarm as I pass out.

Damn it… I had this… this thing just HAD to strike me right at the worst moment. I thought for sure that it would be a perfect service, but I just HAD to stare into her eyes!

My eyes open in time to see a large broadsword swinging at my neck. Bringing my smaller sword up in time to divert the momentum of the strike and upwards, striking sparks the sword completes its arc, slicing past me.

My eyes spark darkly as I look into the eyes of the Templar that serves as my opponent.

“Big sword, little wit,” I say with derision dripping from my voice. I spin, bringing the hilt of my stiletto into the man’s groin.

The templar groans and curls up on the floor.

“Asuseni! Don’t abuse the servants.” My father says hashly with a frown. His dark hair frames his face in a shaggy mane around dark violet eyes that strike fear in his opponents and friends alike.

Running my fingers through my hair, I huff. “He was seriously trying to take my head, wasn’t he father? Is he some kind of an assassin?”

“They are paid to try to take your life, yes.” My father’s eyes are dark.

“Hmph… they don’t have to be so violent about it.” I turn my back on the templar who I notice is rising to his feet again behind me.

“I think the definition of defeating my daughter is a rather violent subject.”

“I suppose.” I rub my lips thoughtfully. “Since they’re paid to try to kill me, I should have the right to turn the tables, don’t you agree, dear father?”

As my opponent recovers and lifts his sword to brain me from behind, I spin, bringing my sword down onto his blade to where it sailed past. Channeling my magick, I send a jolt of electricity running through my stiletto and through his broadsword. The way his body flails violently, his body smoking is satisfying.

“Asuseni! Damn it. If you cripple all the templars training you, we won’t have any left to fend off the demonkin of damned Mulga.” Drawing his sword, he scowls at me. “Not to mention, it isn’t easy finding replacements with the nerve.”

“Tch…” I frown, sheathing my stiletto at my hip. “Just pronounce my training complete, father. It’s clear that none of these idiots can stand against me. No more templars need be hospitalized.”

Pursing his lips, my father twists, his eyes staring into mine intimidatingly. Hah… as if that would work on…

The white mists slam inwards again, leaving myself and father alone. The chamber in the depths of our mansion fades into darkness as my consciousness projects into these new eyes.

Salty spray blows into my face as I stand at the bow of a ship as it approaches Alversbridge. 

Ridiculous name, that. As though a bridge hasn’t stretched across Alver’s Rill for over two hundred years.

The city is quite dumpy, crouching unsightly past the digits, a set of keys of islands that serve as barriers as an approach to the city from the sea. Only one channel allows the passage of a large Lapvian ship. In the unglamorous city’s ports are anchored Alver’s meager sea ships.

One… five… ten… what has that fool of a king, Alexander in mind? Is he planning to make war on us, using these floating nutshells?

Stroking my beard, I make a note of the presence of these ships. Such a paltry force couldn’t stand a chance against the fleet of Lapvia and such an attack would be poorly timed.

I’ll have to determine King Alexander’s intentions.

“Cute boats, wouldn’t you say, Father?” Asuseni says behind me, almost reading my mind.

“Hmph.” I don’t offer a comment.

“Maybe they’re planning to flee from the demons across the sea to new lands, hmm?” Asuseni takes a position beside me, touching her lips with that light-hearted smile she tends to wear.

“If so, that would make things far easier. No… we won’t wait to see if that’s his intent.” I wave my hand dismissively at my annoying child’s eternal poking and her incessant need to tease all around her, including her father. It’s just her way of getting back at me for putting her life in danger. The training of a House Melna templar is harsh and unforgiving. Only excellence is permitted. While her departed older sister was a disappointment, Asuseni carries the honor of the house, not that I’d ever tell her such.

Everything goes dark again, this time without the white mists crashing inwards.

Bowing to the ‘regal’ figure sitting before me on a throne, set high on a dais that sets his head far above anyone who comes into the throne room, I lift from my fractional bow, all that’s due to the King of a rival kingdom, one gifted by a Duke of the House of Melna.

He squats up there with a satisfied look on his face, adequately flattered by my show of diffidence. His blue eyes peer into mine. His silver-to-blonde hair, colors streak through his short cut hair waves in the cross breeze wafting through his throne room. Atop his head rests a large golden crown with a large green gem set in it. 

The legitimate crown of the royalty of Alver. I had no idea that they managed to recover that particular artifact from the ruins of Alverston. Even though we hold his line illegitimate, I must hide my thoughts well.

Matching his hair, he sports a beard and mustache, both expertly trimmed. He looks the part at least.

“We, Alver, are pleased to entertain you and yours, Duke Cedrin.” His eyes shoot to my daughter, trailing me. She smiles at the king with the quirky nature unique to her and looking over my shoulder at her, my eyes narrow, promising retribution, should she open her mouth and say anything untoward.

Petulantly, she compresses her lips as though she’d bitten into an unripe plour.

“Such a lovely daughter you have.” King Alexander beams. “You know, my son is of a marriageable age and I haven’t found any suitable wife for him…”

Asuseni’s eyes flashes at the King in warning and he flinches, his eyes momentarily betraying his startlement.

“Ahem…” King Alexander changes the subject, “What brings you and yours to my kingdom, Duke Cedrin?”

Lords and ladies ring the carpet leading up to the throne, all watching with interest, many of their lips twisting.

“My lord,” I murmur, offering a smile. “My king hopes that you might accept a generous proposal that I bring, a pact of mutual defense that will turn the tables on the Mulgan demons before it’s too late.” Clenching a fist, I smile.

“What do you propose?” King Alexander asks with a blank expression, “Do you want me to commit men to your command for the sake of protecting your borderlands? Do you lack troops? We have enough trouble of our own to our north. Far too much to even faintly consider splitting what forces we have at our disposal.” Alexander waves a hand in negation.

“No, King.” I put on a more mild tone. “We propose a two-pronged attack, your forces attacking Mulga from the south with ours sallying from the east. The plan is to meet and join forces at the capital and put an end to this vile Demon Baron. Need I remind you that his mere presence has shaken the foundations of our world? We must take this moment of his weakness to finish this dire threat to Euphonia.” I smile darkly, quietly assured of victory.

“...A bold plan,” King Alexander says with a raised eyebrow, “but such has been proposed by your King Regalis before your coming. We had to regretfully reject this proposal and the answer may not be changed, depending on the security of our own northern borders. Hogsworth faces attacks from the demons, albeit things haven’t risen to the scale of a full-blown war, they face goblins from the west and imps from the east and demons from the north. Their situation is delicate and complicated. A situation that demands a great deal of focus. Our other northern stronghold, Haldor’s Stand, to this date has only faced bands of goblins and some few assorted monsters risen from the dead, most likely the poor victims of pilgrim communities further to the north. Those poor wayward people refuse all intervention and we’ve long since given up evacuating the northern reaches.”

Smiling faintly, touching my lips, I smirk, seeing another way, but it will take some time.

“... Actually, I have another request, King Alexander. Another boon I ask of you.”

“What more would you ask of me, further than you already have?” King Alexander looks at me with a raised expression.

“Your old capital is somewhere near this Haldor’s Stand, correct?” I ask with a thoughtful expression.

“That is quite correct. It lay just south of the mountains, below Haldor’s Stand. We must ask about your interest in our old destroyed capital.” King Alexander says, gazing at me.

“...I wish to send someone on an expedition there and inspect matters there.”

King Alexander’s face turns dark at the question. “We will not give permission for a Lapvian force to cross our lands under any circumstances, Duke Cedrin. You can understand our concerns, do you not? Matters of security, not to mention Alverston is a place akin to a holy place for us, not that the people of Alver look to any deity these days.”

My eyebrows knit at the King’s words. He’s a bit stronger than spies have claimed. And they claim that the lords and ladies of his court walk all over him. Hmmmm. It’s only a matter of time before he bends his proud neck.

“Since you’ve mattered a matter of security, King Alexander, I have another proposition, related to my previous. Behold my proud daughter Asuseni.” I turn and gesture towards her standing at attention behind me with her hands clasped before her. Though she may not look it, my child is a capable soldier as any of House Melna should ever be.” I return my gaze onto the King with another slight bow. “Since your Haldor’s Stand and this ‘Hogsworth’...” Such a commoner’s name. Rather inappropriate for a city. An inglorious name for a larger city. Have they no shame? I question Alver’s seriousness with such light-hearted names for their cities and towns. “...are a grave matter of concern for your nation, I can offer you to dispatch my daughter to reinforce these locations. She could inspect your forces and report her findings directly to you and alert you to any deficiencies she may find. Surely you can see the virtue of an outsider expert, inspecting your forces for you.”

Frowning, King Alexander muses wordlessly for a long period and finally says, “You wish to send a spy of your own to inspect our northern borders?”

“My daughter— a spy? My good King.” I laugh aloud. “This lovely child?” I reach back and seize her cheek in my fingers. Asuseni’s eyes flash at me and we have a glaring contest for a moment before she lowers her eyes with a pout.

“She is indeed a lovely child. A bit too willful for my son.” King Alexander laughs mirthfully with me. He settles on the throne and offers me a smile. “If we are allowed to let two of my best knights accompany your daughter on this journey, we might consider your proposal, but we must question why you wish to do us such a service.”

“Great King, we’re not enemies. Once you may have thought us your enemies, but never have we come against you and yours. I ask only for her to gain permission to go to Alverston in return once her task is completed.” I bow floridly with a gracious smile. “And never shall we be enemies. Ever shall we be friends? Together we shall save this world and its people, the glory ours, shared. Eschala hides in its capital, Hauthstone. Yijan and Sungwan are too far from our troubles, disinterested in our matters. The dwarves of Haven haven’t entered wars in many ages. It’s upon us to protect our corner of the world and our respective lands.”

“You have great wisdom, Duke Cedrin.” King Alexander approves. “We’ll discuss the details of this mutual defense pact that you propose, but in the meantime, we can see only value in sending your daughter north. Keep in mind that these are dangerous places you wish to send her. If your daughter should lose her life in this attempt, we’ll mourn her loss together.”

“Indeed. I trust your knights to protect her life as your own.” I bow again to King Alexander and look into Asuseni’s eyes from my lowered position with a nod.

The white mists crash together around us and I spin off into darkness.