Elsa, 19th Nachexen

“Magister, you must understand,” said Giuliano, “the people here have made their living stealing from their neighbours. They lie to protect themselves, si? To avoid the punishment.” He gestured vaguely around. “When we come here, they say, no, we have never heard of the bandits. Please, we cannot pay the Prince his taxes, we are so poor. And then we look, and what do we find?” Another rasping cough interrupted his flow. “Scusi - a bag of stolen gold, Magister, as big as your fist.”

He shook his head. “All liars, Magister,” he said. “But if you wish to stay, of course we will make the accommodations.” He looked at her with a questioning eye. “How long is it you will be staying?”


Elsa, 20th Nachexen

Miruna’s already-pale face went a little paler. She stayed rooted where she was for a long moment, not sure what to do or say.

“I have heard of you,” she said at last. “You’ve killed a lot of people.”

Reaching behind her, she opened the door, stepping backwards over the threshold so she kept her eyes on Elsa. “We’re fine for charcoal,” she said. “We don’t need any fire magic, thank you.”

With a swift slam, she closed the door behind her.