"Miss Azura." A polite knock followed the call. Azura mumbled as she turned over. The knock came again.

"Miss Azura, it's time to wake up. We have prepared a meal to break your fast."

That woke her up.

"One minute," Azura said with a yawn. She quickly got dressed. The dragon-scale armor was surprisingly comfortable. Azura walked to the door, moved the wardrobe out of the way, and then exited. Bellos was there in an immaculate tuxedo.

"Good morning, Azura."

"Morning Bellos. Did anyone accept my offer?"

"We're treated well, and despite the… change of our status, most are content. I imagine those forced to work the fields or similar professions might see things differently."

"I'll ask them when I can support them," Azura said.

"A wise decision. If you will follow me, your breakfast awaits."

The room to which Bellos brought her was different from the one she had visited before. Azura wondered briefly if nobles ate in different rooms depending on the meal. It wasn't until she remembered the wall exploding that the answer became obvious. Despite the new locale, breakfast was an extravagant affair. There were mounds of bacon, sausage, bacon, pancakes, bacon, fruit, and bacon. There was only one plate of bacon, but the importance of the dish warranted the extra attention. Azura quickly took a seat. Immediately, the lovey piggy strips began floating toward her plate.

"Miss Azura," Bellos whispered in her ear. "If you desire something, one of the servers is here to fetch it for you."

"Wow, nobles are so lazy," Azura said. Fortunately, the others hadn't arrived yet as they had taken time to make themselves presentable. Bellos chuckled.

A few minutes later, Loric, followed by Elise, arrived, and the kin began handing them plates as they pointed out what they wanted. Azura refused and used her ki. Each time she did so, the pair stopped to watch the floating food land seamlessly on her plate, where she vigorously attacked it.

Tarwin came down, followed shortly afterward by Maeve. The woman promptly ignored Azura as she began ordering her breakfast.

"Could I get an orange?" Elise asked one of the kin. As she was within range of her ki, Azura picked one. She peeled it and separated it into slices. The whole process took only a few seconds. It was like the orange jumped out of its peel. Half float to Elise. Azura kept the other half.

"Umm, thanks…" Elise said, unsure.

"No problem."

Maeve looked like she wanted to say something, but held her tongue.

Oh, someone got in trouble, Azura thought. Hmm, to cause trouble or not cause trouble? That is the question. But what silly question that is, for trouble makes life interesting. To stimulate her sister's growth, it was morally imperative that she cause at least some trouble. Keeping this high ideal in mind, she assembled her orange slices into a small figure that tossed sausages at her, which she caught with her mouth. It was excellent ki control practice. The fact that it was fun and annoyed the mages had nothing to do with her decision. The sight was so bizarre that the others stopped eating to watch.

"Umm, do you do that often?" Loric asked.

"All the time," Azura said, waiting for her mouth to be empty for once. She should at least try to show some manners.

"Doesn't your mother get upset?" Elise asked, looking at her mother.

"All the time," Azura repeated.

Elise frowned in confusion. "Then why do you do it?"

"Because it makes her upset," Azura said straight-faced. Elise couldn't help but burst out laughing. Loric soon followed, and even a slight chuckle came from Tarwin and Maeve.

Finished with her game, Azura turned serious.

"When are the rest arriving?"

"The council will be here in two hours," Tarwin said.

"Anything special I need to know?"

"The elves will not be pleased to see you," Tarwin said.

"That's to be expected," Azura nodded.

"Why?" Elise asked.

"Three days ago, I snuck into the city and killed eight of their guards. I also crippled some important elf," Azura said with a shrug.

Tarwin coughed. "You killed eight elite elven high guards and magically crippled Ambassador Ulvandia. I expect it was the crippling, more than the guards, that has spurred their ire. The thought that someone could take their magic away has disturbed them greatly."

"You did what?" Loric asked aghast. The rest, besides Tarwin, drew back as if they were afraid such a thing could happen to them.

"I believe he said it plainly enough," Azura said. She almost smiled. It was like she had magical cooties.

"How could you…" Elise said, horrified.

"Easily," Azura said.

Elise shook. "No, I meant that was an extremely cruel thing to do."

Azura shrugged. "She deserved it."

"Deserved it! How could anyone deserve to have their magic taken!?" Elise shouted.

Azura tilted her head at her younger half-sister. Was she really this ignorant? Probably. That's the problem with nobles.

"If you want details, I imagine you can find them. As for the elves, if they want to start something, I'll finish it." Azura said as if it were a simple item on a checklist.

Tarwin coughed. "Perhaps it would be best to adjourn until the delegates arrive." He rose to go, and the others did the same. Azura returned to snacking. At least the food was good.

***

"Father, what's she talking about?" Elise asked once they were alone. Elise saw the way her father stiffened when Ulvandia's name was mentioned.

"Umm, it's not something we should discuss. There will be time to…"

"Please tell me," Elise pleaded. "I'm trying to understand my sister. Half the time, she seems silly and sweet. The other half, she's utterly terrifying."

Loric sighed. "Ulvandia… bought slaves and did things to them."

"Things?" Elise felt her stomach go sour.

"Mutilations and tortures. She bought a lot of slaves. As property, she could do whatever she wanted with them."

"Gods above," Elise whispered, covering her mouth.

"No one liked it. But she was the representative of the elves, so there was nothing we could do about it," Loric explained, his expression grim.

"Oh…" Elise said a bit of her innocence was lost. Of course, people like that existed. Did she think everyone treated slaves like they did? How many atrocities had been committed since the subjugation? How many are happening now?

"Will it ever get better?" Elise asked.

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Once the mist is gone, things can return to how they were before," Loric said.

"When will that be? Is there a plan? Does anyone even know what causes the mist or where it came from?"

No answer. Loric looked like a light spell had blinded him. He didn't know. Elise was willing to bet no one did. This wasn't going to be over any time soon, if ever. Was her sister right? They needed kin to fight, but the costs…

"What can we do?" Elise finally asked.

"… I don't know," Loric said as he swept her into a hug.

***

The council of Deepmere all arrived at the same time. Perhaps they thought they could approach her from a position of strength by showing their unity. Azura didn't care. Their posturing meant nothing to her. Let them keep their games. She had but one goal, the kin. Everything else didn't matter.

Besides Tarwin and Archmage Denayd, there was Calvore, a representative from Dageth. Azura recognized the robes from the mages she had first killed. She did her best not to glare at him. For his part, he ignored her. There was Lord Arthos, a powerful mage and noble of the city. Grand Magus Arwin, who had deep blue hair that was several shades darker than hers. Last was the real problem. The elf Kelfina glared at her as soon as she entered.

Oddly, Loric and Elise were allowed to stay. No doubt they hoped they'd influence her in these negotiations. As soon as the introductions were done, Azura stood up. Best to make this as fast as possible.

"I'll keep this simple. I learned from my sources that you plan to send a kin army into the mists to target a mist generator. Destroying this will stop or slow the spread of the mists. I'll do this for you. In exchange, you will free the enlisted kin. A simple exchange," Azura said, then took a seat. Trenton had really been an excellent font of information.

"That is the crux of the issue," Lord Arthos said. The way everyone looked at him, he seemed to be mostly in charge. "However, there is no guarantee that you can do anything."

Azura shrugged. "Won't know till I try."

"We are unsure what you will find in there. No kin that has ever seen a mist generator has come out alive," Grand Magus Arwin said, eyeing her closely.

"Any mages try to go in and take a look?" Azura asked, although she already knew the answer.

"Of course not!" Lord Arthos said, looking disappointedly at her. "You don't even know this? The mists contain corruption that will seep into an active mana pool when ambient mana is absorbed. Any mage with corruption begins to change. I assure you, we've seen some that come stumbling back out afterward. Death is preferable."

"Then don't use mana or alter your pools so you don't absorb mana. I read a book that had techniques like that. I think it was called Impractical Magic. I don't really recall anything else about it," Azura lied. She didn't want them to know that everything she had come from that book.

The mages all looked uncomfortable. Azura saw her sister glancing from one to another with a questioning look in her eyes.

"I don't see why we're even bothering with this criminal," Kelfina said hotly. "You should be in chains. Not being allowed to talk to your betters."

"I haven't seen any elf that is my better," Azura said. She then plastered a patronizing smile on her face. "Oh, that reminds me. I was hoping Ulvandia would join us. She is part of this council, isn't she? Is she indisposed? Perhaps she needs more time to adjust to her new… circumstances."

Azura's Fun Fact: When elves get pissed, their ear tips turn a dark purple. Weird.

Azura never found out what the elf was going to say, as Lord Tarwin coughed loudly, standing up.

"Perhaps we should discuss the purpose of this meeting and not past grievances. Mistakes were made on both sides. Let's move on, shall we?"

Azura simply shrugged as the elf glared daggers at them both but remained silent.

"I did try that when this started," Azura said. "I'll repeat myself. Free the kin to be sent on this mission after I complete it. Then, start sending mages into the mists along with kin. You have options. Use them." Arthos and the other mages looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"You must understand Azura," Grand Magus Arwin said. "Mages take considerable time to train. They're our most important resource. We can't afford to use them in this endeavor."

"You're saying the kin lives are worth less than mages," Azura countered.

"Yes," Arthos said simply. "I think we can vote on your proposal for this current exchange. If you're successful, perhaps other exchanges will be possible in the future, but our tactics are sound. It's required for both kin and mages to survive."

"Bullshit," Azura stated hotly. "I know the survival rate is practically zero. It's not required to sacrifice only kin. You just see nulls as disposable." She hated that word. All kin did, but it got the point across.

"You're different," Tarwin said. "You have power. You're above those nulls as well. Give it time. You'll see the difference between us and them."

"Statements like that are why there will never be peace between us," Azura said harshly. The room tensed at her words.

"However, I'll agree to the peace until our deal is done as long as you do likewise," Azura said, standing. "Do you agree or not?"

The council looked at each other as nods of agreement came from all, even the elf.

"We have an accord," Arthos said.

"I need a month to get my people safe in case something goes wrong," Azura said. "Then I can head straight there."

"Not alone," Tarwin said. "I think at least my son should accompany you as our representative. Perhaps with one or two others."

Azura frowned, thinking. It couldn't hurt. At least someone would be a buffer between her and the mages.

"Fine. I shall meet the party at the western gates in one month, around sunrise," Azura said as she walked out the door. As soon as it was closed, she sped off. There's so much to prepare, yet so little time.

***

After the Magebane left, the council held an emergency session with its core members behind closed doors. Lord Arthos looked thoughtfully at each member as he spoke.

"There will be no peace between us and the Magebane," he said flatly. "Her demands are absurd. We can't send mages into the mists."

"Technically, we can," Archmage Denayd countered. "I know of two ways right now. There is the body magic technique, which is rather limited. There is also a mana-sealing rune. Some use it during training to practice casting spells when low on mana. It prevents mana absorption while the rune remains."

"Nonsense," Arwin said. "Do you think magical families will accept their loved ones going into the mists to die? We'd have riots. That job's for nulls."

"Dageth will not send mages into the mists for suicide missions unless there is no other choice. Those choices include leaving Deepmere altogether," Calvore said, crossing his arms.

"The Elves will not venture into the mists," Kelfina stated flatly.

"I know," Lord Arthos sighed. "Our own forces are mostly paid guards. They'll quit before entering. That was why enslaving the kin was such an excellent solution. Tarwin, you spent the day with the Magebane. Do you think we could get her to change her mind? She's not like a regular kin. Surely, she sees how worthless nulls are."

"I'm afraid not," Tarwin sighed as he leaned back in his chair. "She has been quite adamant about rescuing kin. I don't understand why she'd care about sure worthless creatures. I was thinking of sending Loric and Elise with the Magebane. Perhaps they could make her come around."

"At the least, perhaps ferret out the secrets to her power," Denayd said, a twinkle in his eye, before he continued. "I might join as well. It will take close to two weeks to reach Fortunia. That would provide an excellent chance to study the magebane's power."

Kelfina glared at them all. "What about after the Magebane either succeeds or fails? She will continue to pose a threat to Deepmere and to the elves."

"If you have a suggestion, we're willing to entertain it," Arthos said. He was well aware of her following words. He proposed them after all.

Kelfina smiled. "Presuming the Magebane goes into the mists, we can arrange for an elven war band to greet her afterward. She'd be weakened and more manageable after such an assault."

"And using elves, we could claim Deepmere did not participate in the attack. We could even fire the mana cannon early, hoping it would hit her. It's unlikely due to the charging time, but we might get lucky," Arthos added. Tarwin mentally calculated which course of action would benefit him the most. Ideally, it'd be Loric and Elise gaining the secrets of power from Azura before she was dealt with. The question of whether the girl could be converted was no longer an issue. From her behavior, it was clear that saving kin was all she was concerned with. She was unreasonable.

"I agree," Tarwin said. "I don't like it, but I agree. Just be sure to keep my son and his daughter out of it. At the very least, incapacitate them so no lasting harm is done."

"That shouldn't be an issue," Kelfina said.

"What a waste," Denayd said sadly. "Is there any chance she might agree to become my disciple or something?"

"You saw her Archmage. What do you think?" Arthos asked.

"I guess not. Then I'll go with them. I'll ensure I'm absent at the last battle so Deepmere won't be involved. If she escapes the trap, I'll offer aid if the situation seems unwinnable. That should at least buy Deepmere immunity to retaliation."

Kelfina frowned at him. "You're a spineless old fool. The elves won't fail."

Archmage Denayd shrugged. "Simple precautions can't hurt. We don't understand much of her capabilities. She might make it out of your trap. I would rather leave her with the impression that any betrayal was limited. You should make plans if it fails. Perhaps leave Deepmere and return to the elves. Then, we can claim that you fled after failing with some of your people. Azura would have no one left to blame. We'd appear to be her allies or a neutral partner."

"An excellent suggestion," Tarwin said. "My family will remain ignorant of the plans to add credibility to this action. Loric and his daughter are too soft on nulls."

Kelfina smiled. "The plan is acceptable. If you excuse me, gentlemen, I have much to do."

***

"So, how did it go?" Her mother asked as soon as she got to the meeting. Azura shrugged as she took a seat.

"They agreed but will try to fuck us. Or at least that's the impression I got."

"As we thought then," Fatania said. "Did you manage to get us a month to prepare?"

"Yup."

"Excellent. Zultar is already here and has agreed to the plan," Coralline said.

"We'll have to be careful. My father will be traveling with me. If we have to attack, I would prefer him to survive… unless he attacks us first."

"Loric…" Coralline said, her voice strained. "We can do that. We won't attack at all if they don't."

"I think you mean when," Azura said darkly. "Do you think they will free the slaves at least?"

"If they betray you, then no. If they keep their word, then yes," Fatania said.

"What can we do about that?" Azura asked.

"We have enough supplies here for another two or three hundred more kin," Alenina said. "The mana forest is excellent for growing food. We have already constructed several deep burrows for growing fungi and other food sources. Some of the large fungi we found have been growing well here." Azura remembered her first trip and the giant mushroom she found.

"Gerald is making a caged-off tunnel section to house the local boar population. We have a few piglets we recovered while hunting. We're attempting to raise them," Coralline said.

"If they betray us, we will free the kin from Fortunia. If not, then the army is freed. Either way, we will save some kin from slavery. I guess we can take that as a win." Azura gave a tight smile. The mages would have no idea what hit them.

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