To the border

You’re somewhat sad to leave the next morning. Queen Sella and her court are good company, and a good model for the future. Her comments about you as a leader weigh heavily on your mind, however. Especially when combined with the prophecies you’ve been exposed to recently.

You also noticed her having private conversations with several of the girls. Maya, Anna, and Kali you’re not surprised by. The former two probably regarding children, the latter because of who she is. The surprise was Elys. Who afterwards came to you with a request.

“Josh...after we finish with the dwarvesss, could we go to the sssouthern human kingdom, Mermouthia, before we go to Ellon?”

You look at her, confused. “I suppose...may I ask why?”

Elys looks away. “I’d rather not sssay right now. Can I tell you after we meet with the dwarvesss?”

You nod. “I trust you, Elys. Tell me when you’re ready.”

Elys smiles. “You’re ssso good to me, to all of usss. Thank you.”

She kisses you on the cheek before walking off to talk to Maya privately.

Queen Sella says her goodbyes, and promises to have a feast upon your return, and tells you she will keep in contact with Trevor for you.

A day out of the city, you reach the border. Surprisingly, there’s no guard or fortress, simply a small watch post. Clarissa explains. “There’s been peace between us for years. There’s no need of a military presence here.”

You nod, but something seems odd about the watch post as you approach. You would expect a few soldiers or guards on duty, but the only sentries you see are crows.

You say, “Something doesn’t feel right here...”

As you speak, the watch post explodes. Within the flames, a vaguely feminine figure strides towards you. As she comes closer, you realize she looks vaguely like Kali did, before her change. Unlike Kali, however, her mouth is distorted by needle like fangs, and her body is wrapped in spiked, dark metallic armor. In one hand she carries a thorn covered whip, and in the other a long, cruelly barbed broadsword.

A raspy voice hisses as she approaches. “Kali! Our father sends his regards!”

Kali stiffens, glaring.