After Haxo’s arrival, it only took a few days to get the transfer of power sorted out. The former castellan, though hesitant at first, proved more than up to the task, especially with the cooperation of the once-Duchess secured.

  The Queen’s mercy in sparing Baldemar’s family was quick to bear fruit in that regard, though hopefully young Windhalm would not grow up with a grudge. His time with his mother was going to be restricted and monitored for that very purpose, but only time would tell if these measures were sufficient.

  Frankly, the entire debacle highlighted the idiocy of feudalism. An incompetent employee should be fired, instead of… this.

  I felt confident that Haxo would manage to maintain order in Attre, especially with the Crown’s backing. Many of the local houses were being administered by widows, sons, or other relatives. And I had taken care to visit those most likely to cause trouble.

  If Haxo’s assessment of the situation was accurate, then the Crown was in no position for further executions, but I doubted the newly ascended barons and counts realised that. They may even know, intellectually, that it was the case, but hopefully they’d be hesitant to risk it. Especially since the possible consequences were so obvious. Fear was a stop-gap measure, but by the time they’d regain their courage, the situation would hopefully be stabilised.

  Finally, after hashing out a few details regarding Attre’s support for the construction in Marnadal, I departed during the night.

  I had notified Haxo, of course, but no one other than him knew. There was no reason to take unnecessary risks, especially with my less-than-stellar reputation in the Duchy.

  The Royal Guards rode with me, though Edwyn’s arm had yet to fully recover, even with my magic. Still, while he was not fighting fit, he could ride.

  Our journey, fortunately, was uneventful.

  In the evenings, I devoted my time to portal magic. The post of a Court Sorceress had proven to be much more mobile than expected, which, along with the possibility of war in the future, made the magic even more of a priority. Since practising Alzur’s Double Cross would have slowed our travel too much, spatial magic was the logical choice.

  However, my previous extensive practice with a complicated, high-tier spell like the Double Cross proved very much a boon.

  It was roughly halfway through our journey when a rather obvious thought struck me.

  I had been sitting on a log, reading through my notes with the icy clarity of the modified Adda Invaerne, likely my most oft-cast spell at this point, when an interesting thought entered my mind.

  There was nothing stopping me from using Adda Invaerne in my preparations before conjuring up portals.

  The casting process was finicky and complicated - the quickened thoughts brought by the reflex-enhancing spell would surely help, even if they’d be a crutch.

  And indeed, that proved true. The survival rate of the small critters I had taken to throwing through my portals increased from one in three to one in two, just like that.

  I was very satisfied with my progress when we arrived in Cintra a few weeks later.

  Surprisingly, it was Baron Eylembert who greeted me when I entered the castle.

  “Lady von Degurechaff,” the thin man began, eyeing me as I dismounted from my horse, “The King and Queen will see you tomorrow, but there is another matter that requires your attention today.

  So, I was finally going to meet the King, “Another matter?” I asked.

  “Yes, you have a guest. I will lead you to her quarters.”

  I blinked and moved to follow, “Who is this guest?”

  “Tissaia de Vries,” he responded.

  “Ah.”

  Eylembert led me to one of the guest quarters, “She has been notified of your arrival,“ he said by way of explanation, before opening the door for me.

  I entered, my gaze immediately landing upon my mentor. She sat next to a window overlooking Cintra’s cityscape, one hand holding a teacup daintily. As I entered, she turned away from the window, her eyes locking onto mine.

  While most of her face was impassive, her eyebrows rose slightly upon spotting me.

  “Tanya,” she greeted, “Come and sit with me.”

  Having no reason to disobey, I moved towards the second chair, offering a greeting of my own, “Archmistress.”

  “Will you not set your armour aside, even here?” Tissaia asked, her gaze pointedly moving up and down over my attire.

  I flushed, grateful for the anonymity provided by my helmet. I had grown so used to wearing the armour everywhere that I had completely forgotten.

  Hastily, I removed my helmet, setting it aside. My armoured appearance was in stark contrast to Tissaia’s elegant white robes, embroidered with golden daisies.

  “My apologies,” I quickly spoke, hoping I had not offended the Rectoress.

  Tissaia stared at my revealed face for a moment before nodding.

  “An inquest was called for by Artaud Terranova regarding your actions on the southern border,” she spoke without preamble.

  I froze. An inquest was a serious matter, if not a truly dire one. In general, the point of an inquest was for the Chapter to establish whether they believed the Laws of the Brotherhood had been broken, and whether further actions were necessary. It was not a tribunal, but something which could lead to one.

  “Some allusions were made to Raffard the White’s early years, but you were cleared of any suspicions, of course,” Tissaia reassured me, before adjusting one of her rings.

  “You must have left quite an impression on Ida Emean,” she continued. Though her face was still impassive, I could see the curiosity in her eyes, “Francesca’s support had been an unexpected boon.” Tissaia fiddled with one of the embroidered daisies on her dress, “You would have been cleared regardless, but it would have dragged on for longer.”

  “You’ve done well for yourself, Tanya,” she finished, her tranquil eyes landing on mine once more.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “Thank you, Archmistress,” I replied, barely stopping the relief I felt from showing on my face. Tissaia’s words clearly indicated that she approved of my actions and that she would continue her support, despite the trouble I had caused her, if unwittingly.

  While I had not broken the Brotherhood’s Law, justice in this world did not care overly much for the truth. Without an advocate on the Chapter, I could have easily found myself in hot water.

  Tissaia nodded, “Regardless. You’ve gone above and beyond in your duties as a Court Sorceress,“ I sat up straighter in my chair, “Far enough that no one would blame you if you wished to return. I am sure that we could find you another post if you so desired, or you could stay in Aretuza. Margarita would be delighted to see you again.”

  I froze at her words, before regaining my composure, “I am confident in my ability to manage the situation here, Archmistress.”

  Tissaia stared for a moment before her perfect posture slightly sagged.

  “I see,” she responded simply.

  We stared at each other for a few seconds before she looked away, turning her gaze to the bustling city outside.

  We sat in silence for a few moments before she reached for a small package that had been lying beneath the table, “Francesca asked me to give you this.”

  I took the package curiously, quickly opening it and revealing a… dress? I stood up, displaying the piece in front of me.

  It was indeed a dress, one made of flowing black silk, with silhouettes of roses embroidered onto it with silver thread.

  Objectively, it was quite beautiful, if not something I’d ever wear.

  I packed it back inside before turning to Tissaia, who was observing me with some amusement, “Please relay my gratitude,” I dipped my head.

  Tissaia nodded back, “Let us see the Princess now. I will be heading back in the evening.”

  “Pavetta?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she nodded, “I doubt I will be of much help, but I can at least take a look now that I am here.”

  It didn’t take us long to make our way to Pavetta’s quarters. I exchanged a nod with the tall guard whose name I had still not learned before entering. Inside, I was greeted by Gera, the matron, whose frown immediately intensified when she laid her eyes upon me.

  “Lady Degurechaff, what is this?! What sort of example are you setting for the princess?” She rounded on me immediately.

  I put my armoured hands up placatingly, stepping to the side to allow Tissaia entry.

  Gera paused, taking in the appearance of the Archmistress, “Greetings, my Lady?”

  “Tissaia de Vries,” the Rectoress spoke plainly.

  “I adore your dress, Lady de Vries,” the middle-aged matron simpered immediately, “A proper courtly attire, if only everyone could dress as well as you!” She side-eyed me.

  Tissaia, for her part, didn’t react at all, her eyes zeroing on the child currently peeking at us from behind the door leading to her bedroom.

  “Your Highness!” Gera spoke loudly, “Come greet your guests.”

  Pavetta left her hiding spot shyly, then, though any shyness disappeared once she spotted me, her eyes immediately grew large, “Auntie Nya!”

  “Your Highness,” I bowed, while Tissaia offered a nod.

  “Why are you dressed weird?” the child immediately went on the attack, staring at me innocently with her big green eyes.

  I sighed, “I haven’t had time to change.”

  Gera’s harumph echoed in the background, making my eye twitch.

  “This is Tissaia de Vries, an Archmistress and the Rectoress of Aretuza,” I introduced, indicating my erstwhile teacher.

  “Arsh-mister,” Pavetta nodded seriously, courtesying quite elegantly for a child her age.

  Tissaia's face might as well have been made of stone. She placed her hand on top of the girl’s head without a word, making the princess freeze.

  After a few seconds, Pavetta started squirming, her pleading eyes darting to me.

  However, before I could think of anything to say, Tissaia removed her hand.

  “I concur with your hypothesis,” the Rectoress turned to me, “Unfortunately, there is little advice for me to offer, except to continue your efforts. I will consult with Hen Gedymdeith, though his memory of his early years is not the best, so do not expect too much.”

  “Hip-o-thesis,” Pavetta murmured, staring at the sorceress with wide eyes.

  “I will be grateful for any advice,” I said, bowing my head slightly.

  Then, I turned to Pavetta, “Have you been good, Your Highness?”

  The girl straightened up, “Yes!” She squeaked out.

  I turned to Gera. The matron side-eyed me, “She listened well to that book of arcane… things,” she paused, before muttering, “Unlike her other lessons.”

  I nodded to Pavetta, “I’ll take you to play with the dogs tomorrow.”

  Good work deserves rewards.

  The young princess smiled widely, “Yay!”

  Tissaia looked on with amusement as the princess hugged me. I petted her back awkwardly.

  “The ashen-haired rider will herald death,” Pavetta suddenly spoke with glassy eyes, her voice not her own, “The lion shall choke on its victory. Va'esse deireádh aep eigean, va'esse eigh faidh'ar.”

  Something ends, something begins. Pavetta could not speak the Elder Speech well, her lessons having begun only recently.

  I stared at the child in disbelief alongside Gera, while Tissaia merely clicked her tongue, “It is good to have confirmation.”

  Meanwhile, the young princess seemed to regain her faculties, blinking, her green eyes filled with confusion, “Auntie Nya?”

  I frowned, “What is the last thing you said, Your Highness?”

  Pavetta frowned, “Auntie Nya?” she repeated.

  “Before that,” I withheld a sigh.

  Her tiny face scrunched in concentration, “Yay?”

  “A common occurrence for those with this particular gift,” Tissaia spoke up, as she once again placed a hand on the child’s head.

  "All seems well," she commented after a few seconds.

  “Let us talk more elsewhere,” I responded, before turning to Gera, “I hope you understand the importance of silence on this matter.”

  The matron couldn’t even muster the energy to be offended, her pale face nodding mutely as she stared at the child.

  Hopefully this episode wouldn’t repeat. Fate was not kind to oracles in this world.

  We departed from Pavetta’s quarters, and I took Tissaia to my study in the tower.

  Then, upon her request, I spoke to Tissaia about what happened in Marnadal in detail and my work so far. The Rectoress sat, quietly listening and nodding occasionally until I got to the part with the enemy sorcerer.

  Tissaia sighed, rubbing her nose, before she motioned for me to continue.

  It was deep in the night when I finished. We sat in companionable silence for some time, before Tissaia brought up the proverbial elephant in the room, “Fate is a fickle thing, Tanya. Keep her words in mind, but do not dwell on them.”

  I nodded, “Will this sort of thing repeat?”

  Tissaia shrugged, her eyes lowered towards one of her sleeves as she adjusted a button, “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

  We stayed silent for a few minutes, both of us lost in our own thoughts. Then, Tissaia provided me with some advice and critique regarding the portal spell, before giving me a perfectly executed practical demonstration.

  Just before she stepped through, she offered me some parting words, “Tanya,” she stared into my eyes, “Take care of yourself, child.”

  Then she stepped through, and the portal winked out of existence.

  I could not sleep well that night. Pavetta’s episode reminded me too much of Being X. The idea that the creature might be tormenting the poor child because of me was infuriating, yet I had no power to intervene in any way.

  The fact that this was not unheard of for Sources calmed me somewhat, but the disquiet remained.