Love of Magic Book 1 (of 3) Completed

"I think this is the place. Though I can't really imagine anything less like DGN1, this feels likw an aerobics studio or something. Ah, there's Molly."

Molly doesn't appear to have spotted Bore yet. She's working through some kind of gymnastics program, stretching and holding, a sheen of sweat covering her cleavage.

"I've gotta say, my Chosen looks pretty damned hot like this."

She catches a glimpse of him in one of the mirrors, flashing a quick smile, before continuing on seamlessly.

"It does give a man some ideas, watching her like this."

She adjusts her leotard a little before the next pose, her half-lidded eyes meeting his with a playful glance.

"Naugty Chosen," he said. "Do you like what you see, Master?" she said. "Always. Molly. So this is where all the Ceremial Magicians work out?" "Yes, Master. We've got to look good for our clients. Or or Master, of course... though the rest don't know that I'm not a Ceremonial Mage anymore." "I'm pretty sure you couls stream it as pay-per-view," Bore said. "Not any more, Master. I disabled all the cameras, after I heard what Sarah tried to do to you. But there used to be a couple of hidden cameras around the studio. One was really hard to spot, but the Voices helped out." "Good to know." "How may I serve you, Master?" Molly said. "You can strip down and grab that balance.bar, you little minx." "Oh, yes, Master. Only..." "Only what, Molly?" he said. "Nothing important, Master. Just that class starts in 5 minutes. That's why I was here warming up. But you don't mind an audience, right?" she said. "Actually, I totally mind. Not to mention you'd likely be tossed off the course if your teacher finds you fucking me in the classroom." "Yeah, that would be a total violation of mt chastity pledge. It would get me thrown off the course, if nothing else." "Chastity pledge? Really, Molly?" Bore said. "Believing that true love awaits, I make a commitment to Magic myself, my family, my clients, and my future mate to be sexually pure until the day I enter marriage." "You have got to be shitting me. Sexually pure lap-dancers. For inhuman monsters." "It' a living. Most ceremonial Mages don't last very long, like they drop out of the industry, get a boyfriend or something. But some are really good, like Sarah. She's been doing this for ever and ever. Mom was her grad-student 40 years ago, and she was already old back then," Molly said. "Fascinating. So you spend a lot of time here?" "I pretty much live here. Like, I've got a flat over by the Meadows but I'm here training unless I'm with you, or sleeping. Or, best of all, sleeping with you, Master. Once upon a time I wanted to become the best Ceremonial Mage ever. Now I just want to be the best I can for you, Master." "Looks like the rest of the class is arriving. I'll get lost before people strt talking," he said. "Master, they're, like, Ceremonial Magicians. If they didn't whisper behind people's back they'd, like, burst or something. And all the girls have boyfriends. Just not serious ones, like you. Anyway, I need to run to class. Don't be a stranger, now!" "See you later, Molly."

The gorgeous blonde who enters the bar stands apart from the rest of the customers. Bore isn't quite sure why... she moves well, but there's no shortage of trained fighters and dangerous people here at night.

"Welcome to the Crowley Public House, can I get you anything?" he said. "A dark ale of some sort, whatever you recommend will no doubt be serviceable. I hear your employer prides herself on her taps," she said. "she certainly cares deeply about quality, yes." "Not often one finds an Evoker pulling pints. Interesting choice for a bar." "Mostly I work here as a bouncer, but things are quiet tonight. Serving beer helps me work my way throuh University. Your drink, that'll be £10," Bore said. "Fascinating. Here, £100. Keep the change." "Thank you, Ma'am. Not from around here, I take it?" "What makes you say that?" she said. "The tip. We're in Scotland, in case you missed it." "Ah. Well. Good servive should be rewarded, my... boss... always says." "Indeed. What dot you do, miss...?" he said. "Valery. Valery Reine. Just call me Val. I'm a lawyer, for my sins." "Well, we all have our sins, I guess. I'm Bore, by the way." "Good to meet you, Bore. I'm in Edinburgh for a business meeting, heard this was the place to meet the less... normie... community. Have a good drink, maybe pick up some company for the night," Valery said. "Looking like that I doubt you'll have any problems with either." "Perhaps. Though I'm very... picky. Choosy, as it were. But first a drink or two, put the whole dreary business out of my mind." "Been a bad day?" Bore said. "No more so than many others. I work for a boutique law firm out of Oslo, BFR&Co. We're small, but old and quite well-regarded. The son of one of our oldest customers managed to get in a spot of trouble here. Kids will be kids, you know." "Yeah, I guess some things will never change." "Very much so. I'm here trying to defuse the situation, prevent it from becoming some kind of a scandal. If I fail... well, heads will roll," she said. "Figuratively or literally?" "Both, possibly. No matter. You look like a kid who can handle himself in a fight. Ever thought of signing up?" "Signing up for what? I'm in the militia, if that's what you mean," he said. "I was thinking something more... high impact. More suitable for an Evoker than pouring pint. I doubt anyone's told you about this, but something is coming. Soon... likely inside the next 2-3 years." "What?" "Did you ever hear of Ragnarök?" Valery said. "The mythical end of the world? Sure." "Well. The problem with myths are that they usually contain a grain or two of truth. Something... let us call it Ragnarök, for the sake of argument... is brewing. The day it comes... well, a young Evoker might make his name, and his fortune." "Fighting in Ragnaräk?" Bore said. "Fighting on the side of Good against Evil. Standing in the shield-wall of Justice, against undead monsters, necromancers, and worse. Stepping out of an ordinary life and into the Sagas." "You've made this pich before, I take it." "A few times. Here, take my card. If you ever desire to take the step out of the mundane, give me a call," she said. "Valery Reine, Esq. - Asset Aquisitio & Strategic Services?" "That'd be me. Anyway, I'll be over here in the corner, enjoying this rather excellent pint. Do think about what that card means, Ragnarök is not something any man should have to face without friends at his side." "I can agree on that," he said. "I'm sure we'll meet again, Bore." "I suspect you're right, Val. Enjoy the ale, and thanks for the tip."

 

Bore settles in while he's waiting for Emily.

"Just chillin' at my private lake in Neverland. Where's Tinker Bell when you need her?"

"Ready for our lessons, my love?" Emily said. "Of course. You wouldn't mind offering something to help sweten the pot?" Bore said. "You're thinking lecherous thoughts, my heart. Focus on the sword, or I shall give you a rap to remind you to keep your mind in the present." "Nothing... too lewd. Maybe a kiss, if I do land a touch? Seems fair." "And for that, you will give this your total concentration?" she said. "For a kiss, I'd give it 110% concentration." "Foolish man. But if it makes you work harder, I guess I will have to endure the hardship. Land a touch, and you shall have your kiss." "Deal. Let's go," he said.

The two of them face off, Emily moving gracefully around Bore, forcing him to swap his stance.

"You're manipulating me, aren't you?" he said. "Force your opponent to react in the ways you want. Make him think your traps are his opportunities, and that your plans are his own," she said.

Bore fakes a misstep. It's a tiny movement, but enough to leave what appears to be a hole in his guard. Emily takes the bait, he lost count of the number of times she's spoken about the importance of footwork. If he mistimed this it's likely to end with a painful smack somewhere embarrassing to reinforce the lecture. Bore recovers gracefully, though his counter isn't quite as perfect as it was in his head. His lunge drives her onto the back-foot for the first time, and he moves to follow through. Emily's off balance for a split second, long enough for Bore to spot a weakness. He lunges forward, closing the distance faster than he's ever moved before. Emily blöocks the followup. Barely. But it opens up her guard, shattering her perfect stance. For a moment she's wide open. Using his full force, Bore swings at her. He caught her off-guard, her sword out of alignment. Halfway through the stroke he realizes he's about to hit her. Hard. With a frantic effort Bore manages to divert the strike, losing his grip and sending his wand spinning off towards the lake.

"That was too close, I was certain you were going to dodge that. Are you okay, Emily?" he said. "I am unharmed. That was... very well done, my heart," she said. "Well, apart from losing the sword. What was it you said? Hold it like a child's hand, softly enough not to hurt it, hard enough to not let it go? The child appears to have escaped. I guess I'll have to earn my kiss another day."

"I haven't landed a touch on you yet, Emily," Bore said. "No, but you deserve the kiss. You have grown, Bore. In the swor, as in other things," she said.

"The armour is in the way, we should get rid of it," he said.

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"You're quite perfect, do you know that?" Bore said.

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"I love you," he said.

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"That was quite a kiss, my love," Bore said. "Well deserved. For both of us," Emily said. "We should do it again. Tomorrow?"

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"No, my heart. You are getting too good at the sword to spar idly, and not good enough yet to control your strokes. No more sparring until we fix your control," she said. "Makes sense, sadly. I'll continue to practice. Hopefully we can go back to sparring once I get better," he said. 

"Today will be the first time I get to have an actual Evoker lesson with Katie. I wonder what we'll be learning. Maybe Booker has some war stories to share, like how he's fought Gods or Frost Giants or Dragons? Anyway, I should get dressed and get going."

"Let's hope Katie actually shows up today. There she is. Looking hot, as always." "Eeeey! Bore. Good to see you," she said. "It's almost like we're normal students, going for class," he said. "Aye. It'll be fun. My brother always said Booker was a really excellent teacher. He's been places. Kicked down doors and taken name. Sometimes body-parts, as well." "Something weird happened, last week. He was showing me something, and it was like his eyes glowed." "Did they now. Interesting. Uncle sometimes does it, when he is close to losing control. And Dad used to do it when he was going to do something even crazier than normal," Katie said. "Booker mentioned it was related to power, somehow." "To being a Power. It means your Spark burns so brightly yer flesh cannae take it any longer. It leaks." "So you're saying your Uncle is a Power? And that Booker is one?" Bore said. "Aye, and that yer ex-teacher was a god. This ain't the kiddie legues any more, Bore. These people play for keeps." "So do we. Ready for lectures?"

"Hi Bore. And I'm gonna guess this is my missing Maclachlan student, the hair fits. Your Gran sends her regards, Katie," Booker said. "So what's today's lecture about?" Bore wondered. "Emission Control. Katie's okay, but yours is a mess. And even in her case, the Spark is growing too fast. Gran mentioned it, it worried her. And there's not a lot of things that worry Gran. She's a hard lady, that one." "Why?" "Same destiny that is pushing you, I would imagine. Anyway, it means Katie's Spark is growing faster than she's learning to control it," Booker said. "So she's having a growth-spurt, is what you're saying. Going through the awkward adolescent stage, a little late. Yeah, I could see that." "Feck you, Bore. I've noticed that my spells are getting stronger. Much faster than they should," Katie said. "Yeah. We all are," he said. "Interesting. Not unheard of, people do rise to a challenge. Are you tied together, somehow? Blood brothers, for example?" Booker said. "Friends with benefts?" "Usually takes something a little stronger than that, or half the students on campus would run around blood-sworn to each other. How about some kind of sacred oath?" "Well..." Bore said. "Son, I cannae help you if you dun trust me. I get that... Torman... was a less than ideal substitute tacher, but I really am here to help you. Now spit it out." "There's a group of us. The Knights of the Lake. We got together, at the Glade, and made a felowship." "A Glade? I've felt a new one, on the paths. But every time I try to find it, it slides away from me. I've never seen anything like it before," Booker said. "Yeah. That's the one. It used to be Nimue's, now it's mine." "Is it now? And how does a broke young student get to own a priceless Glade? One that belonged to the Lady, of all people." "It was a gift. From my father, and my godfather," Bore said. "Does your young friend know who he is?" "Yeah, I don't have secrets like that with Katie." "So a gift from your god father, and your godfather. Gods don't make Glades, they're quite happy with the chaos of Elsewhere. But is a story involving Excalibur, I'm going to assume your godfather was Merling?" Booker said. "According to Nimue, yeah." "So. A sacred oath of fellowship, on land consecrated by your divine father. Yeah, that could tie their destiny to yours." "It sounds scary when you say it like that," Bore said. "This should scare you, Bore. These are Greater Powers, as far above us mortals as a Power stands above the Normies. They're shaping you for something." "The fire will burn, the hammer will fall, but the Sword of Mankind must be forged for what is to come." "And the Sword of Mankind, that would be you?" Booker said. "I think so. The prophecy was for me, at least. What does it mean?" "It means that you're being shaped to fight something. The Otsiders, I assume... that would line up with Merlin's legacy." "The hammer... I think that was probably Torman. Thor," Bore said. "Hush, lad. Don't speak the gods name, it sometimes attracts unwanted attention. Torman will do. And did the hammer-blow change you?" "Apart from crushing my ribs, and leaving me pissing blood for a week?" "Aye, apart from that. Don't be a big pussy, ye walked that one off," Booker said. "I guess... I guess it ended with me getting X. Excalibur, I mean. Which seems quite important." "Anyway. Your power is growing too fast. And you're bringing your friends along. So. I need you to learn to tamp it down a bit."

"Strange. Chloe is usually around. Anyway, let's get geared up. Emily said she'd be bringing her gear. If anyone comes in looking for a pint they're getting a free show. Maybe I'll get a better tip? Who am I kidding, this is Scotland."

"That feels better. Almost like the armour belongs with me. Hey, there's Emily."

"Good evening, my love. How did your day go? You feel different, somehow," she said. "Yeah, Booker taught me how to shield my Spark," Bore said. "Yes, now that you mention it. You look like a strong Evoker, not a walking bonfire. But you still look very handsome." "Let's head down to the basement."

"Let me get changed, my heart," Emily said. "Of course."

"What are you looking at?" "I'm just enjoying the sight," Bore said. "Foolish man. You've seen... and done... far more lewd things with me," she said. "I still love watching you like this. You look fantastic." "I love you too, Bore. Now stop ogling, and let me get dressed. We will be late." "Okay. Sadly," he said. 

"I miss the untamed Elsewhere around the Court, but this is gorgeous as well. And it will always remind me of our early day together," Emily said. "When we're old, surrounded by children and grandchildren," Bore said. "Surely children would spoil the girlish figure you seem to love so much." "I believe in the power of magic, and healthy exercise. Anyway, you'd look wonderful in any shape."

"Welcome, Promised One. Your Companions await you inside." "Thank you, Gate," he said.

"Master! Welcome. I missed you." "I missed you too, Molly," Bore said. 

"We're all here, Boss. Time for us to work out how to take down Torman. No offense, Katie," Bella said. "Yeah."

"Only offense Ah'm takin' is if I cannae set the wee cunt on fire meself. Ah've got some paying back to do. In full," Katie said. "Indeed."

"Ignore Torman, people. You have more immediate problems," Chloe said. "I've got worse problems than the Go of Thunder?" Bore said. "Thor is ignoring you, for the moment. He's a God, they live by different timescales than us." "And what's our immediate problem?" "I just heard from my source at the Court. Your secret is out, that you're dating Emily, and that she's no longer a virgin,"she said. "What?" "Erec is furious. And under intense pressure, he promised Emily's hand to Lord Jerkow, as a bribe to gain his support. To fob him off with pre-used goods would be an intolerable insult." "There is no way in hell I'm letting that happen," he said. "You're not going to be around to stop it. Erec has called the Hunt. They ride on Sunday. I told you a long time ago, Bore... the Great Hunt is a bad enemy for a God, never mind a young Evoker. The Embassy just got orders to escort Emily back to the Court, where she'll be married to Lord Jerkow as sooon as possible." "I... I can't believe this is happening." "You have no idea how sorry I am about this, Bore. But I tried to warn you," Chloe said. "Emily... what do we do? I have no intention of letting some inbred moron marry you against your will," he said. "And I have no intention of letting my fool of a father kill you, my heart. We could elope? To America. The Hunt would not dare follow us into the shadow of the Aztec Pantheon," she said. "But what about your duty to the Throne." "My duty is to you. To us. Loyalty is a two-way street, and my father has squandered my loyalty to him. This is just the last stra. The Hunt does not gather until Sunday, we can be on a flight to New York tonight." "No," Bore said. "My love, even you cannot fight the Hunt. Though there would be hell to pay, once the Fae found they had been asked to slay the son of the Horned God... you would still be dead." "There is no Hunt until Sunday. Right now there's only Erec. And whatever bootlickers he has surrounded himself with." "What lunacy are you planning, Bore?" Chloe said. "We go and have a chat with him. Tomorrow morning. The Sword that was Lost has been found. The Future King has returned. And Erec is about to sign up for early retirement."

"This is madness, Bore, you're likely to get really badly hurt. Or killed. Erec is a 300 year old Power, not some petty defiles you can smack around for lusting after your harem," Chloe said. "And I am the Sword of Mankind. I will not run like some stag, with the hunt after me. I didn't start the fight, but I fully intend to end it," he said. "Erec is a master Enchanter, and an expert swordsman. I doubt you'd even get through his shield, never mind dent his armour. Be reasonable." "Bella, I got a gift for you. Do you think you can hit Erec with this bolt?" "I can hit a man's eye at 200 yards. What does it do?" Bella said. "A gift from my friendly Schwartalf perv. It destroys shiels. Completely. After that we'll see how keen our master Enchanter is to tangle with Excalibur, and an angry Evoker," he said. "We're planning to invade the Court in Exile?" Katie said. "Something like that." "Bore you absolute madlad, I think I'm in love." "So you're in?" he said. "Oh, fecking yes. Bella, we do this, we're drinking for free, forever. Just imagine... Katie and Bella, the Reavers of Camelot!" "Emily, my love? This is your father, your home. If you say no, we'll think of something else." "I... Horned God forfend, you are insane. But the Hunt will not gather until Sunday. And nobody else would be crazy enough to think up something like this. If... if we are to do this, we could likely catch him off.guard. If he loses, I think I could convince him to step aside, peacefully," Emily said. "Molly?" "Of course, Master! But it's strange. The voices agree... this is what you have to do. But it saddens them," she said. "I'm about ro go fight, and possibly kill, my girlfriend's father. It saddens me too. But he set the rules of the game. Not me."

"We are coming too, Bore," she said. "It's good to have you along, Akane," he said. "What? Have you lost your mind? Akane-sama, you are here to gather allies, not invade the Court. Your Father is going to have a stroke!" Kitsune said. "The fox may have a point, Akane. You're here as an envoy." "I'm here to stop the end of the world. And that means aiding you, and the Knights of the Lake. No matter what. Gods help me," Akane said. "Dylan?"

"I'm... this is crazy, Bore. You're talking about attacking Camelot. About picking a fight with Erec Pendragon, the King in Exile," Dylan said. "He picked the fight. Not me. Are you in? No hard feelings if you choose to step aside," Bore said.

"We will see you there, as well. Until we meet again, Bore." "See you, Akane. Foxy," he said. "Okay, I'm going to see if there's any last minute cramming I can do to help out. I'll be at the University Library, if you need me." "Probably not, but I'll see you tomorrow, Dylan."

"... yeah, like you should totally do that. My best friend, Amy, well... I call her best friend, but she was a bit of a bitch. And a complete slut. But anyway, she was saying that in that position the cock hits like all the way inside you, if it's big enough. Like Master's. So..." "Molly?" Bore said. "Yes, Master?" "What did I say about discussing my sex life?" "Don't do it where you can hear us, Master?" she said. "That's not... oh, never mind. Stop corrupting my girlfriend, Molly. That's my job." "Your Chosen is merely offering up some suggestions, my heart. For things we could try together," Emily said. "So you're coming back to the Crowley tonight then?" "If you will have me? Otherwise I shall need a hotel, returning to the townhouse seems unwise." "Of course. Always. Is there anything you need to buy? We could go shopping together," Bore said. "No, but thank you, my love. The truth is that even without Chloe's reveal I was going to ask if you wanted me to stay the night. I've missed your touch, and the feeling of waking up next to you. Who knows what the future holds?" "There's nothing in the world I'd want more." "Then it's good fortune I brought a change of clothing, and my toiletries," Emily said. "Indeed. Let's go."

"I'll just tag along with you guys, Master," Molly said. "Oh?" "To the Crowley, I mean. It's dangerous for a pretty young girl like me to roam the paths, all alone and innocent." "I'm reasonably certain you've never been innocent in your life, Molly?" he said. "Master?" "But that's fine, I love you just as you are." "Yes, Master!" she said. "Okay, we're here. After you, ladies." "Thank you, brave Sir Knight," Emily said. "A pleasure, my ladies." "Okay, Master, I'm going to leave Emily to you. She deserves a nice night, promise me," Molly said. "Of course." "And Emily, remember what I told you about the underwear." "Molly, you don't wear underwear," Bore said. "Exactly, Master. Have a great night, both of you. See you tomorrow." "What exactly did she tell you about underwear?" "Nothing, my heart. Now, may I suggest you take a shower?" Emily said. "Do I smell that badly?" "of course not, my love. I will be waiting for you in your room. Do not take too long." "Sure."

"Weird. Did I forget to shower recently? I should probably make sure I shower regularly."

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"There you are, my love. Finally. Now come to bed with me," she said. "You look amazing, Emily," Bore said. "I did ask Molly which panties to wear, and she said 'nothing'. It seems to work, by the look of your thing." "Oh yes. I love you in that lingerie." "And I love watching your face when I wear it. Now come to bed, my heart. Molly's desription of the pose she called doggystyle sounded quite intriguing," Emily said. "Oh yes. Very much so." "Then I shall rely on you to teach me. Tell me what to do..." "Could you kneek on the side of the bed, with your ass towards me?" he said.

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"Like this?" she said. "Perfect," he said. "I feel quite... exposed... here. Are you certain I am doing it right?" "Trust me, my love, you are perfect in every way."

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"Please, Bore... I want to feel you inside me... please. I want to be one with you," Emily said.

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"That feels so different," she said.

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"This is... so good. Keep going. Faster. Oh... gods," Emily said.

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"Oh, my love... that was amazing," she said. "Is that your favorite position?" Bore said. "I do not know yet. We shall have to try them all first, before I can decide." "Okay, give me a minute to recover." "Though not tonight, my heart. We have a long day tomorrow. And I need a shower as well. Quite badly," Emily said. "Ah well, there's always another time."

"I hope you don't mind that I forgot to bring a t-shirt?" she said. "No, not at all. You look amazing," Bore said. "And tomorrow... tomorrow we confront my father. It is a hard thing, my love, for a child to have all their trust in their father pulled away like this. But he made his choice. And I have made mine. We stand together, you and I. Against anything." "Yes. We do."

"Now come to bed, my heart. Hold me tight, help me drive away the cold and the darkness," Emily said. "Always."

"So. Erec. What was it Katie said... Ye'd be better off punching a Dragon. Understand me, Bore. He's dangerous. He is one of the Powers. People still swear by the King in Exile. Ye kenna fight what is nearly a god. Well, Brass, it looks like you're coming along when we go to fight him anyway. Not a moment's hesitation, neither. I don't know if that's bravery or just her being crazy. Probably both. No matter what, I have to do this. The asshole is planning to give Emily away as some kind of party-favor. For that alone he needs to step down. One way or another."

Bore drifts into uneasy sleep. Tomorrow they fight a Power. 

"I am not blind, dearest Knight, It is far too likely either you, or my father, will be dead by the time the sun sets today. No matter who wins that conflict, I will lose," she said. "I'm sorry, my love. We could still go, we've got the cash. We could be on a plane before noon, I could show you the East Coast. Such as it is," he said. "No, you could not leave. Not like this. Not without losing a fundamental part of your soul. If I tried to make you, you might go. But you would be lesser for it. I love you too much to do that to you." "So what do we do?"

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"We follow the plan, my love. There is not much else we can do. My father must be shocked awake, and deposed from the throne. For that we need force, enough to make him understand that we are serious. That I am serious," Emily said. "It sometimes seems like you're the king to Come, and I'm only pretending," Bore said. "Queen, my love. One hopes that you would have noticed the differences by now. But without you, I could all too easily see myself following in my father's footsteps. Playing zero-sum games with the nobles, as the world burns around us. In you I see something greater." "It scares me." "That we are about to attack my father, the King in Exile? March towards Camelot itself?" she said. "No. Not that part. That either works, or it doesn't. But I think we've got a decent shot at this, assuming we can catch him without a bunch of knights around him." "Then what?" "If we win... when we win, I'll end up as the King in Exile," he said. "That is your destiny, my heart." "I struggle to balance my checkbook. What the hell do I know about running a kingdom?" "I will be there to teach you, my heart. We will do this together," Emily said. "I think I'll leave the actual running to you. I can relax at the golf course, or something. Maybe get a yacht for the Lake." "Terrible man, leaving all the hard work to me." "Are you ready for this?" Bore said. "No. But the world does not ask if we are ready, it gives us the challenge and expects us to rise to it." "Sink or swim." "I do wish you would stop talking about this as it was swimming. Especially since I would sink, like a rock," she said. "Just trust me, I'll keep you afloat." "Time to get dressed , and wake up. Our friends are waiting for us downstairs." "How do you know?" he wondered. "Can you not sense Katie's Spark, downstairs? Dylan is more subtle, but it is still there." "Nah, I'm completely crap at that kind of thing. Poor Booker despairs, though he did give me some meditation exercise. In the meantime, X helps me out when I need it." "You should do the exercises, my heart. You do not know what you're missing out on, the Sparks are beautiful," Emily said. "You're already all the beauty I need." "Thank you, my love. Now let us go greet our friends." "Indeed," Bore said. 

"Ey, Bore! Finally dragged yerself and the princes out of bed?" Katie said. "Something like that, yeah. Everyone ready?"

"We're all here, Boss. The rest of the Knights of the Lake are down by the portal," Bella said. "Then let's go. This isn't going to get any easier by waiting," Bore said. "Lead the way, Boss." "Let's go, Emily."

"Good morning, Master. Emily, how was last night? Did you do that thing I told you about?" "Molly, no dissecting my sex-life in public, please," he said. "But Master!" "Chosen." "Okay, Master," Molly said. "Everyone else ready? Bella, do you have the resonance bolt?" "Of course, Boss. Loaded and ready," she said. "We only get one shot with that. If you miss, you'll be playing fetch." "Sounds fun, Boss. I won't let you down." "Katie, we're fielding two Fists. I'll take point of the first, you're taking point on the second," he said. "Aye, Bore. I've got this," she said. "Bella, Kitsune... keep the squishies safe. Kitsune and Akane, you guys go with Katie. Bella, you're with me." "Yes, Boss," Bella said. "Emily, you're with me, of course. And Molly, I think." "If I can make a request, my love. I would prefer Dylan accompany us," the princess said. "Of course, Emily. Any specific teason?" "Because ours is the Fist meant to fight Erec. And if my father is injured in the exchance..." "You'll want Dylan there, to keep him alive. Forget I asked," Bore said. "Even with all this... he is still my father. I do not want to watch him die, if I can prevent it," Emily said. "No, I totally understand. I'd much rather have him retired than dead, as well. Molly, that means you're under Katie's wings. Feel free to draw magic fro me, if she needs a hand." "Yes, Master," Molly said. "No sulking, Chosen. I'll get you a nice reward afterwards." "Oh yes, Master." "Everyone ready? Then let us ride, to Camelot," he said.

"We have about two hours worth of travel to go," Emily said. "What can you tell me about Camelot?" Bore said. "That it is home? Beautiful gardens surround a fortress that has never been breached. But with a little luck, we shall be inside the gates before they even know we are there. Let me do the talking, the guards know me well." "Sounds like a plan."

"Master? Just a question?" Molly said. "Sure?" "Are we walking straight to Calemot now?" "Yes, Molly. It's not that far, the exercise will do you good. Now stop complaining," he said. "I'm not complaining. Like, I only ask because Erec isn't in that direction." "What?"

"Your Chosen is correct, Bore. King Erec isn't at Camelot, I see him on the Northern Moors, halfway between here and Camelot," Akane said. "Did he call the Hunt early? Are we wandering straight into an ambush?" he said. "I... I don't think so, Bore. He appears to be alone. Looking for something." "On second thought, let's not go to Camelot. it is a silly place. Let's check out the Moors instead." "Hey, Boss. There's something I've been meaning to talk to you about," X said. "You think this is a terrible idea?" "Probably? But my wielders have terrible ideas all the time, usually they do fine." "Good to know," Bore said. "Of course, in the end they always die miserably. So there's that." "Thanks for the morale boost, X." "No, what I wanted to talk to you about was Barrier," X said. "Oh, the blocking move. I thought you said I wasn't ready for that, yet." "I think you are. You've spent a lot of time training. If you're not as ready as I'd like you to be, you're getting close." "So. Barrier. What do I need to know?" Bore said. "Let me know when you want me to shield. I think I can only do it once per fight, right now, but with practice it should get easier." "Sounds useful." "It should be one hell of a surprise for Erec when his sword just bounces off you," the sentient sword said. "Indeed. Good work, X."

"We're getting close, Boss. He's around here somewhere," Bella said. "Where?" "I cannot sense him, my love. He is shielding his presence," Emily said. "I knew this was getting too easy. Molly, anything from the Voices?" Bore sighed. "No, Master. Well... there is something. But i don't know what it means. But I think we're meant to split up, here. Katie going left, and you ging right. If we go together, something terrible will happen," Molly said. "Well, that's not reassuring." "Sorcery does not do reassuring, my heart. Though it doe appar to have plans for you," Emily said. "If only I had a better idea of what those plans were. But someone needs to turn back the Outsiders, I guess. As long as the Voices need me, how bad could it get?" Bore said. 

"Right around the corner. 100 meters or so. Once we clear that hill we should see him," Bella said. "Okay. Let's try this. We're not giving him a chance to grab Emily. But I'll talk to him," Bore said. "But, my love..." Emily said. "He either accepts me as an ally. Or he has me as an enemy. Those are his two options. We've tried your ways, love... they didn't work. Bella?" "Yes, Boss?" "If you hear me raise my voice, I want you on top of us, loaed for Erec. Check?" he said. "Check, Boss. Stay safe," Bella said. "Time to go meet my future father-in-law, I guess."

"What are you doing here, you woebegotten fool." "Erec, I have come to talk to you. Man to man," Bore said. "Then come back when you are a man, punk." "fudge you too. If you want to do this the hard way, I'm certainly willing to dance."

"I remember you. You are that peasant Emily tried to introduce me to. The Evoker runt she claimed had saved her," he said. "I have come here about the Hunt, Erec. And about your plans to marry Emily to Lord Jerkow. I'm not going to let you ruin her life like that," Bore said. "Jerkow is a Peer of the Realm, peasant. And I will marry my daughter to whom I choose. Now get lost, I will deal with you after the Hunt." "The Hunt's cancelled, Erec. As is your planned wedding. I'm not going to let you go through with it."

"If you mention Eila one more time, peasant, I will rip your tongue out. Emily's young, she does not know what love is. In the end she will understand I'm right. Now begone," Erec said. "Did you really think I would let you call the Hunt on me like this, and I wouldn't do anything? That I woul let you murder me, just because I slept with your daughter?" Bore said. "You did what?" "This isn't the 15th century, Erec. You don't get to kill your daughter's boyfriend, just because they had sex. And you don't get to marry her off without her consent. I won't let you." "Did you despoil my daughter, peasant? You have no conception of what you have set in motion. I should kill you for that. Now," Erec said. "Are you saying you didn't know? About me and Emily?" "How on earth would I know? I assumed the stupid girl had the sense to keep her knees together for 2 months without a minder. Seems I was wrong. I guess she inherited a weakness for Evoker half-breeds from her mother. At least this time I shall have the pleasure of killing you myself." "As if you didn't plan for that already. The game's up, Erec. I know about the planned hunt on Sunday. That you were coming to kill me," Bore said. "Do you think you're the first Evoker I have killed, godling? That I would need to bother my allies for such a trivial task? If I wanted you dead, the first thing you would know was your head leaving your shoulders." "Then why did you need the Hunt? Backup, in case you're getting weak in your dotage?" "I am gathering the Hunt, lowborn, because a Great Wyrm has been spotted on the Moors. Left unchecked it will wreck our outlying settlements. What on earth made you think I would gather the Hunt for you?" Erec said. "Chloe said..." "That bitch Sorceress. Again. Does she never stop meddling in my affairs? Now begone, fool. Once I'm done with this Dragon, I will deal with you. Permanently." "Not happening, Erec. It's time for you to step aside, let Emily take charge," Bore said. "I think not, Evoker. It seems the dragon can wait a little, while I deal with you myself." "Bella! We've got a breakdown in negotiations. Time to bring out the artillery." "Emily? You brought my daughter? Here?" Erec said. "Okay, we've tried the friendly option, Erec. There won't be no wedding, or no Hunt. Step aside gracefully. Or do not, and we will deal with you." "You brought my daughter to the hunting grounds of a Great Wyrm? Are you witless, as well as stupid?" "Last chance, Erec," Bore said. "Something is coming, Boss. Something big," Bella said. "What?"

"Holy crap, Boss. That hurt. We can't take another blast like that," X said. "I don't think Erec can take another blast like that, neither," Bore said.

"Father! Oh gods... what have I done?" the princess said. "Emily! Careful," Bore said. "I'll go with her, Bore. Maybe... maybe I can help, or something. Focus on the Dragon," Dylan said. "Okay, Bella. I guess it's you and me. Stay back and get ready to cover me," Bore said. "Holy shit, Boss... that's one fucking ugly lizard!" Bella said. "We've got to hold this bastard until Emily and Dylan get back." "Boss, it's got an absolutely insane shield." "Yeah, I noticed, Bella, time to try your new toy. Take it down."

"Careful, Boss. It's going to use that godwaful firebreath again. Barrier's not ready yet!" X said. "Can you get us a partial Barrier? That fucking thing went through Erec's shields as if they weren't there," Bore said. "Maybe? A much smaller one. But I can't cover both you and the others, they're too far back." "So you can shield me. Or you can shield Emily, and the rest? That's not much of a choice." "Bore, you can't do this. You're risking the fate of the world here," X said. "Without her, I don't really need the rest of the world. Shield them for me, X." "If you fall, that still leaves her facing an angry dragon. Alone." "I've got a Royal Flush lined up. I don't know if it'll knock it out, but it will sure as hell know it's been kissed," he said. "I... It's been an honor, Bore." "Same, X. If you have any say in who your next wielder is, look to Emily. She's far more worthy of you than I ever was." "Here it comes. Stay safe, Winter Child," X said. "Shield them well, X"

"Nooooo!" Emily cried. 

"The fire will burn, the hammer will fall, but the Sword of Mankind must be forged for what is to come. The damned Voices knew this would happen. I feel strange... numb. And I can't see anything." "I shut down the pain receptors. All of them. There's not much else I can do," X said. "That's not reassuring," Bore said.

"You have no idea how sorry I am about this, Bore. But I tried to warn you." "I wonder where Chloe is?" he said. "Back at the Crowley, I assume. That last attack... it was enough. I think it had to drop its guard to use its fire breath, or something. You killed it," X said. "No, I didn't I hit it like a freight train, but it was still alive afterwards. Then someone shot it, the last thing I saw before the flames arrived was its head exploding."

"Beware sorcery, my heart. To the Voices the end justifies any means, they shape reality like a potter shapes clay, and never think to ask the clay if it wanted to become a vase, or if the resulting beauty was worth the heat of the kiln. Good advice, my love. Like always. I wish I had listened." "What do you mean, shot it. Who shot it?" X said. "Chloe, I'd assume. Unless there's an army of sorceresses dragging anti-tank rifles through Elsewhere. She's out there somewhere," Bore said.

"No. Oh Horned Lord, please... no. Not Bore as well. Do not take everything I love from me. Not again. Dylan! Help him!" Emily said. "Emily, I'm sorry... there's nothing I can do. Nothing mortal magic can do, even if I had him on an operating table at the Royal Infirmary, and every expert in Eduínburgh at hand. He's dying. I'm so very, very sorry, Emily," Dylan said. "How about you, x? Can you fix it?" Bore said. "No... I wouldn't even know where to start. Your eyes... your eyes are gone. The flesh is burned to a crisp," X said. "Explains why I can't see anything." "You should be dead. Only your Evoker strength keeps you here, and even that is failing." "Any chance you can fix my vocal cords, at least? So I can say goodbye to Emily," Bore said. "I'll... I'll try. Though it will drain what little reserves you have left." "It doesn't sound like I have any better use for the reserves. I think I see something. With my third eye. Booker was right, all I needed to do was learn how to let go of my normal eyes."

"Bore..." X said. "I see Emily's Spark. It's beautiful, and pure, and strong. Just like her," he said. 

"By the power vested in me as Queen of the Court of Camelot, I declare us husband and wife," Emily said. "I think... I'm out of time, my heart. Take care, both of you. I love you, always," Bore said. "Maybe, Dylan... what mortal magic cannot heal, that of a God can. Come back to me, Bore. You are my lover. My husband. My King." "Emily, what are you doing?" "I am completing the Mantle, my love. All hail the Promised One. All hail King Bore the First," she said. "What... is happening?"

"All hail the Winter king," Emily said.

Darkness catches Bore, and he feels himself slipping away. 

"Do you have any understanding of how close you came to dying? To ruining evrything? Fifteen hundred years of planning, the fate of the world. And you're willing to throw it away, for a girl?" the Horned Lord said. "Ah, so I'm still alive. I was wondering about that," Bore said. "You're alive, barely. How did you know the Mantle would heal you?" "I didn't. Wouldn't have made a difference if I did, Emily's life is more important. Especially now." "And the fate of the world? Did you completely ignore the millions who would die without you? Would you scarifice all of them, for your girl?" the Horned lord said. "A death is a tragedy, a million is a statistic, you can't really understand something like that. I'd be sad if Mom died, or Bella, or even poor, foolish, Olivia. But a million strangers is just a number. I will fight for what is mine. My Companions. My wife. My daughter. My home." "You are no Arthur." "No, I'm afraid not. You screwed up, Dad. You and Merlin both," Bore said. "Oh, I meant that in a good way. Arthur was an asshole. He got all my Chosen killed, never mind the bloom of Camelot. If I'd known what the outcome would be, I would have never signed up for it." "And Merlin? Did he know?" "Probably. That man played 5-dimensional chess against reality itself, and never lost a game. I just wish he hadn't been so careless with the pieces, I cared for some of them," the Horned Lord said. "How much do you know? Of what is to come?" "Not much. I know the Outsiders will return, this time in full force. I know the goal was to use you against them. But a lot of the possible futures end differently. If you die, the world will burn. Millions will die, gods and mortals." "Why did you leave us? Mom and me? Why didn't you bring her to Tir na nÒg, make her a Chosen?" Bore said. "Your mother's magic made being around her a constant chalenge. A pleasant one, centainly, but exhausting. And I needed to keep you hidden, both Courts have been compromised by the Cult." "What do you mean, about Mom's nature? She's not a mage." "No, but she had her own... magic. She's what Ailidh called Blessed by the Voices, a Sorceress in such complete harmony with the underlying music that separating her will from that of the Voices is impossible," The Horned Lord said. "Come on, Mom's not a Sorceress. I should know, I've been quite intimately familiar with two of them." "I assure you she is. I have been quite intimately familiar with far more of them. Including your mother. Mot Sorceresses listen and let themselves be guided by the Voices. A few, exeedingly strong ones, can influence the flow of probablilty and the future. But your mother bends reality without even thinking about it." "How? she's a smalltown veterinarian, not anyone important," Bore said. "I would assume she has what she wanted. A job she loves, where she works with things she loves. A handsome son, destined for great things. A world where the rain only falls when it's convenient." "She didn't get you. She still misses you, you know." "I wouldn't be what she needed. Her dreams were for a handsome stranger to sweep her off her feet, then for her life to go on as she had planned. Which it did," the Horned Lord said. "And her bending reality? Why didn't it just sweep you back when she wanted you?" "My roots are deep, I'm hard to move. Though I could feel the wind of her will shaking the branches those first couple of months. And occasionally since." "But... why? Why her? Why a small town girl in America?" Bore said. "Merlin wanted to try something, to combine my bloodline with the most potent bloodline of Sorcery he could find. To create something new." "Then he screwed up. I'm not a sorcerer... there's no voices whispering guidance in my ear. My actions are my own. Even when I fudge up." "Perhaps. Though your mother would have said the same, if less crudely. I decided a long time ago not to bet against merlin, the bastard usually got what he wanted," the Horned Lord said. "But why America? Why not here, or at your Court?" "Because the Courts, both Tir na nÒg and Camelot, are compromised." "And Chloe? She set me up for this BBQ, didn't she? Is she one of your Chosen as well?" Bore said. "Chloe isn't anyone's Chosen. Hasn't been for a long time. She serves herself and the Voices." "She set me up. She knew this would happen." "Likely. And if she hadn't?" the Horned Lord said. "I wouldn't have become Crème Brûllèe?" "Stop whining. What else?" "Erec would still be king. Emily would be engaged to Lord jerkow, not married to me. Damnit," Bore said. "And?" "And I wouldn't be the Winter king. That's what you're driving at, right?" "The Voices are on the side of Life. And you are their chosen Champion., as surely as you are Merlin's, or mine. But never make the mistake of thinking them sentimental. If you have to be flogged to the edge of death to win this race, Chloe will be right behind you with a crop," the Horned Lord said. "Cheerful thought." "Chloe spent an age preparing for this war. Listen to her, but listen to what she says, not just to what you heard. She doesn't like lying. none of the Powers do... it weakens them. But what you heard, and what she said aren't always the same thing." "So be careful with her, huh?" Bore said. "Always. I cerainly am. Your little blonde Chosen might have more raw power, but Chloe is far more dangerous. And in the War to come she is one of your best allies, in this she speaks for the Voices. But unlike your Chosen, her loyalty is not to you. It will never be." "So. Friendly, but not loyal. How very catlike." "You're waking up, Son. We're out of time. One last thing..." the Horned Lord said. "Yes?" "Arthur got it wrong. You did the right thing, for the right reasons. If we can't protect those we care about, fudge destiny. No victory is worth losing yourself for." "I know," Bore said. 

"You are awake, my love. You came back to me. I... I wasn't certain," she said. "Always, Emily. I will always come back to you. No matter what," Bore said. "How do you feel, love? You came... you came far too close to not making it." "I'm good, I think. Everything appears to work. X?" "You're healthy. Too healthy, you should be dead," the sword said. "Be nice, X." "I'm serious, Bore. There's no way you should have been able to recover from that, even with the ridiculous amounts of power that Mantle provides." "Some aspect of regeneration from the Mantle itself?" he said. "Certainly wasn't last time. I felt Arthur die, facing the Outsiders. There were no search-lights shooting out of his eyes as he woke up again unchanged." "Hardly unchanged, I suspect. Though being alive and unburned is an improvement on the alternative." "Indeed. But how did it happen? I know your father's power is tied to death and rebirth, but that doesn't carry on to you," X said. "What do you mean?" "He has many titles. The Horned Lord. The Hunter. The Oldest. Cernunnos. The Green Man, Opener and Closer of Doors. Those last two are linked to death and being reborn stronger. Tradition says the Green Man is sacrificed on Samhain, wanders the underworld, then is reborn at Winter Solstice." "Samhain... that's Halloween, right? We used to celebrate it, back home. But I guess I was busy this year, I totally missed it," Bore said. "October 31st you pulled me out of the damned rock. I'd say you were busy." "... dying. Yeah. So you think this is a cycle? That I am cursed to die and be reborn, again and again? 'Cause that's gonna get really old, really fast." "How the hell am I supposed to know? By the rules, know you should be occupying a 6 feet deep hole somewhere, not sitting here arguing with me," X said. "Okay, I'll take that over that alternative. How do I use the power of the Mantle?" "You don't? Please? I've got the brakes on right now, but it's a completely differet beast than last time. There's a raw elemental fury to the magic in this one. It scares me." "It's supposed to be scary, X. We're supposed to be scary," he said. "Look, I felt the last Mantle. I don't know what your father and Nimue have been up to, but this is completely different." "Like summer and winter? x, we're preparing for a war." "I just worry you'll set some poor innocent continent on fire before you get that far," X said. "Let's not do that, I've got most of my stuff on this one. So, how do we fix this?" "You need to find someone to teach you control. Hell, even with your own Spark you were a small step from critical. Whatever the Mantle provides makes that look cute and cuddly." "How about Booker?" Bore said. "Maybe? I don't fucking know, I'm a sword for crying out loud! I'm supposed to cut things, not play nursemaid to a hungry magical hurricane." "Think of it as a promotion." "How does it feel to be a god?" X said. "I feel stronger. A lot stronger." "I'd imagine, yeah. Anything else?" "I think there's more magical power as well. I can probably go further on the Paths," he said. "Makes sense, yeah. Elsewhere is our home now. Or did you forget that you married the Queen of the Court in Exile?" "Never."

"Master! Oh my God! I was sosososo worried about you, Master. I felt... I felt you die. And then I felt the Mantle. It scared me, for a moment I thought I was staring into the sun. Are you okay?" "I'm fine, Molly," Bore said. 

"You're alive, God knows how. I've never read of anytjing like that, it's not just regeneration. Whatever happened to you even replicated your scars," Dylan said. "That's nice. I have good memories from some of those," Bore said. "Bore, ye daft fecking cunt. When I said to set something on fire, I didnae mean yer own face." "Easy mistake to make, Katie. I'm glad you made it out okay." "Feeling better, Boss?" Bella said. "Alive. Which is a step up from what I was expecting," he said.

"I know it was mostly about protecting the princess, Boss, but... thanks for the assist. I was sure I was done for then the dragon flamed us," she said. "You're all precious, Bella. Every single one of you," Bore said. "Master? The Voices are saying you're a God now?" "I'm still me, Molly. I'm just holding the Mantle of the Once and Future King. Which gives me some powers, I guess." "That is so cool! Will we have other Chosen? Then we can all snuggle up in bed together. It'll be, like, totally awesome," she said. "I... well. Maybe?" "It'll be so neat. And Emily can join us, too!" "Speaking of which..." "Okay, ladies. Give the man some space. Boss, I believe it's traditional for the bride and groom to spend some time away from the part?" Bella said. "Yeah, I think it's time we get to bed," Bore said. "Yay!" "Just the two of us, Molly. Don't be greedy." "Oh, I know. Treat her nice, okay Master? She's been refusing to leave your side while you were sleeping," she said. "I will." "And Emily, you've got to remember to tell me everything." "Molly!" "Don't worry, Master. We won't talk about it where you can hear it." "Sigh," he said. "I'll deal with the logistics, Boss. You just focus on the princess. We'll see you tomorrow." "Thanks, Bella." "Okay, you heard the man. Let's move out," she ordered. "See you all tomorrow." "And now I can finally have my husband for myself. Though I wish I had time to shop for lingerie. Or just a dress. I am still wearing the filthy armour that I... Well, I need a shower, at the very least," Emily said. "We both do. We could do it together?" he said. 

"You are thinking lewd thoughts, dear. I just want to be clean again," she said. "Hey, I'm just married. I'm supposed to think lewd things. It's literally in the job description. Especially if you're leaving tomorrow," Bore said. "I will be back, my heart. I may need to find some excuse to go to Edinburgh, perhaps some paperwork related to my course? We shall sneak some dates together, before we can formally announce you." "When do we do that?" "My birthday is in a month. Long enough to mourn a father, and stabilize a court. Long enough for life to move on. We could organize a grand ball, and you can be formally introduced to the Court?" Emily said. "This is just a trick to get me into Court finery, isn't it?" "Perhaps. But it fits perfectly. Or did you have other plans for December 27th?" "if I have to wait that long, I will. I just hate these goddamned politics," he said. "Politics is the art of making other do what you want them to do and making them think it was their idea the whole time. If we are to rebuild the Round Table, we need the support of the great noble families, not their active antagonism. And if all fails, there is always you and the Knights of the Lake." "What my old professor used to call BATNA." "Not a term I am familiar with. What does it mean?" she said. "Best Aleternative To Negotiated Agreement. If they won't play ball, they may not enjoy the alternative." "Let's hope we can avoid that. I would prefer to not start our reign with a bloodbath. But you are right, there is a hard limit for what concessions we will permit. The Crown must be strengthened if it is to survive the coming storm." "If you find any traces of the Cult, let me know. Those assholes don't play by the rules you use," Bore said. "If I find any traces, I will call. If need be we will roust the Fae as well. But I suspect most of my problems will be recalcitrant nobles, hoping that a weak King will be followed by a weaker Queen." "Well, then they're in for a surprise..."

"What is it, dearest?" Emily said. "Chloe. She'll be upstairs," Bore said. "Are you certain? After what she did to you..." "What was it Molly said? The fire will burn, the hammer will fall, but the Sword of Mankind must be forged for what is to come. By her own rule Chloe was just the blacksmith." "That bitch got my boyfriend... husband... set on fire. Nearly killed you," she said. "If she hadn't I wouldn't be your husband, and Erec would have you engaged to Lord Jerkow. Not to mention the Mantle." "I hate it when you sound rational. I want to be angry at her. What if it had not worked out? What if it had left me sitting there on the scorched ground, holding your cooling body?" "You're not, my love. It all worked out, as always. We'll manage this," he said. "Ready?" "It's a friendly local cat-lady. How bad can it be?"

"We shall find out," Emily said. "Why hello, Chloe. Emily, my love, I'll see you upstairs. I just need a quick chat with my landlady," Bore said. "Of course, my love. It will give me some time to get started on washing the smell of that battle out of my hair. I shall see you soon." "Soon, love." "Ah, Bore. I'm glad you're back. You appear to have picked up a bit of a suntan. Did you go to the beach?" the sorceress said. "Very funny, Chloe. I felt your presence, there at the end. It was your bullet that finally killed the dragon," he said. "Fet, Bore? I was under the assumption that you were sensoty handicapped. And Sorceresses are hard to find, no matter what your senses are." "Perhaps it was sorcery that let me? You lied to me about Mom. You said she had no magic." "I said she was the leasr magely person I'd met. Which is true. Whatever else you read into what I said is on you," Chloe said. "So you knew she was a Sorceress?" "Perhaps. Though she is a rather different type than I, or your little blonde plaything." "My father called her Blessed by the Voices," Bore said. "Your father? Well. That's not something he came up with, actually, Ailidh was always an overly emo romantic. Your mother's different, that's all. Her every random wish and desire tugged at reality like a toddler with the strength of a god." "Something bothers me, Chloe. You said you didn't know who my father was? And yet you knew his Chosen, Ailidh." "Well. Shit. That narrows it down a bit. I knew Ailidh before she signed up with Horney. As a rule I stay clear of his Court, there are still Fae alive who remember things I'd rather were forgotten," she said. "So you're saying you didn't know? You really expect me to believe that crap?" "I don't like lying, Bore. If you live long enough, every lie will tend to come back to haunt you. And I wasn't playing at the high-rollers table back then, nobody bothered to introduce Horney to me. The Coven certainly wouldn't, snobs that they were." "He clearly knew you," he said. "He's a god, Bore. The Oldest, now that She is gone. Probably also the most powerful. And evidently still as fucking funny as always. Nobody that powerful should have a sense of humour that crappy." "Were you part of Merlin's plan?" "The whole world was part of that rat-faced little bastard's plan. But if you ask if I was a willing participant, the answer is no. I thought it was lunacy then, and I fear that what is coming now will prove me right. But we will not go quietly into the night, will we, Bore?" Chloe said. "No. No we won't. Anyway, I'd better go see to my wife." "My congratulation. I'm sure it was a wonderful wedding. The proud father of the bride, the cispy groom. By the way, Bore... I must say you're taking this better than I expected." "Would it help in any way if I stormed ad raged?" he said. "Not really, no." "Then I won't. I can accept that this was the price of doing business. Though I wouldn't turn my back on Emily any time soon, if I were you." "Indeed," she said.

"Just a small note, Chloe. Do tell the Voices that if they should feel the urge to motivate me by harming Emily or Elanora... well. Let's not. Nobody wants what would come out of that. Nobody at all," Bore said. "They know. Trust me, nobody wants you around without Emily to provide a tenuous anchor for your sanity. And they'd never harm your... daughter? Really, Bore, you've been living here for less than three months, and you've already gotten Emily knocked up?" she said. "When I want sex-ed advice from you I'll let you know, Chloe." "All I'm saying is nobody ever gor pregnant from a good facial. Words to live by, that." "Good night, Chloe," he said.