Divining the truth

Later on, you meet up again with Iris. She nods in greeting as you lead her towards where Yura and Lynn are ready to help figure out what’s going on. As you walk side by side, she speaks to you. “Thank you for letting me catch my breath, Josh. It’s nice to not need to look over my shoulder for a while.”

You nod. “My whole goal is making a land where people don’t need to fear being attacked. The demon lord was a big step, and now there’s only a few threats left. One of which we’re about to address.”

She is quiet for a moment, then looks at you. “I’m not sure if I should say anything, but I feel it’s proper to inform you. Your djinn propositioned me, and although I said I wasn’t opposed to such things earlier, I didn’t want to betray the trust you’ve shown me.”

You laugh. “I should have expected that. Sadie is…bold. She probably heard that you were interested, and decided she wanted in as well. We like to joke that she could seduce anyone, but it’s really that she’s so happy and fun that it’s hard to say no.”

Iris nods. “So, you don’t mind?”

You smile. “Not at all, though I’ll admit to being a bit jealous. You’re very attractive.”

Visibly flustered again, Iris looks away. “I…thank you. We should concentrate upon the task at hand, however.”

You chuckle. “Of course. I wasn’t suggesting we stop off for a quickie. Maybe later. Here we are, they’re waiting inside.”

Iris hurries into the room, and you chuckle to yourself as you follow. You are enjoying teasing the banshee every now and then, and you’ve noticed that she seems more animated since she first arrived in your throne room. You make a mental note to ask her about it, and follow her inside.

Yura and Lynn relax side by side on a couch, both seeming quite comfortable. You sit down beside Lynn, who immediately leans against you, and Iris settles in a nearby chair. She reaches out and hands you the key to the barrier, and you hand it to Yura. “Iris tells me that this should let your power penetrate the barrier, but Lynn can help augment you just to be sure.”

The little selkie nods, closing her purple eyes and concentrating. Lynn rests a hand on Yura’s leg, and you can feel the air around the two seem to shimmer with power. Both girls are much stronger than when you met them, thanks to both the inherent magic of the old world, and the influence of your bond with them.

Quietly, Yura speaks. “The vampire queen still hunts, though she knows not where you are, Iris. I can feel her anger at your escape. You speak true, however. She is an enemy. She seeks to hurt the world as she was hurt.”

You nod. “That seems pretty plain. Unfortunate, that her grief is hurting others. Especially as the cause of her grief is understandable. However, she cannot be allowed to harm others in this way.”

Yura continues. “The resistance is in hiding, and seems to be safe, if ineffective. The living and the undead are working together to remain unseen. The only known figure is Iris.”

Iris sighs. “I am grateful for that, at least. I wish no harm on them. I feel that the queen is only part of the issue, however. Her advisers must be supporting and encouraging this, though to what end I know not.”

You shake your head. “There is no use speculating, and we have our proof of your words now. Thank you Yura and Lynn.”

The girls nod, and Lynn kisses you before the pair stand and leave. You turn to Iris. “As I said, I cannot act yet, not until things settle here. Your people seem safe for the moment, and we can keep tabs on them. For now, if you’re willing, you may stay here, or you can go elsewhere to seek faster aid.”

She nods. “I will stay. I think you are the one to solve this, and if I’m honest, your family intrigues me.”

You chuckle. “That’s fine. I still have things to do, so I will be leaving you here. However, would you be willing to join me for dinner this evening? Just you and I, I would like to ask you some questions, more personal than what we’ve talked about.”

She actually smiles at that. “I don’t eat anymore, but I will be happy to join you. I have some questions if my own.”

You smile back at the her, standing up. “Good, it’s a date. See you then!”