Author's Preface
Jysarra had led Kyra out the Door of Night along the Tradeway into the Coronal District. It was a gamble on her part, but Jysarra was all but certain she’d be able to get tonight’s password for the House of Earthly Delights from Einar & Rebekka at the Honest Arrow Inn. Kyra was clearly annoyed with her. That much was certain. The girl did not seem to have the ability to hide how she was feeling. That was a terrible shame, as teasing and challenging Kyra had provided a wonderful distraction from the past day’s stress. Jysarra had thought this would all be terribly boring.
Being partnered with a young, rich noble had been the last thing she had wanted when she woke up this morning, but she had to admit this girl was surprising her at every turn. And she was capable as well. Her deductions at the warehouse and quick action to make sure Jysarra wasn’t struck by the falling truss were impressive as was the way she got Kargoth to open up to her. The feeling of Kyra’s arm wrapped around her as they both lay there breathing heavily was a brand on her skin. She was also easy on the eyes and Jysarra knew she was in Kyra’s head now.
“Don’t look at me like that,” she had said. Why not, sunshine? Afraid you’ll like it too much if I continue?
“Jysarra.”
“Yes?” she sing-songed back at Kyra.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re purposefully leading us astray?”
Jysarra swung around abruptly.
“Now why would I do that?”
Kyra huffed out a breath. “The same reason you’ve done or said anything over the last six hours I’ve had the pleasure of knowing you.”
Jysarra cocked an eyebrow at her.
“Because this is all a game to you.”
Jysarra held a hand to her heart in mock offense.
“You wound me, Lady Kiermann. Finding humor and a sense of enjoyment despite one’s circumstances doesn’t mean I think this is all a game.”
“Then where are we going?”
The devilish smile returned to Jysarra’s lips.
“As I said, to get you out of that uniform.”
Kyra groaned. Her eyes shut and opened slowly.
“Could you please stop doing that?”
Perhaps I shouldn’t grate on her last nerve.
“Very well. We are heading to the Honest Arrow Inn. It’s just down the road. With any luck they’ll have a change of clothes for you to better fit in, and information we’ll need. They also have some of the best bread and soups in the city.”
A few minutes later they came upon the inn. It was an old brick and wood building that looked more like a home than a business. The second story was clearly an addition to the original framework. Jysarra opened the door and was greeted by the sweet and savory aroma of home cooking.
“Jessie? By the gods, it is you.”
An older woman with greying hair and a full figure came out from behind the bar. Her clothes were simple. A little threadbare and stained from use, but functional. She walked over and wrapped her arms around Jysarra. The top of her head didn’t reach Jysarra’s shoulder making her shorter than Kyra by a good couple of inches.
“You’re squeezing me too tight, Rebekka.”
Jysarra’s shoulders tensed. She pushed against Rebekka gently, attempting to extricate herself from the embrace.
“That’s what happens when you disappear from us for years. Einar. Get in here. Jessie’s back.”
Rebekka found her way back behind the bar. Kyra leaned in close to Jysarra.
“Jessie?”
“If you can find another way to shorten my name, then I am all ears.”
Kyra stood there a moment. Her face pulled tight for a breath, then a grin formed.
Uh oh.
“Sara.”
“No.”
The door behind the bar opened and a man stepped into the room with short salt-and-pepper hair with a beard to match. His attire appeared to be at one time of fine make, but had clearly fallen into disrepair and neglect. He made to sweep Jysarra into his arms when Rebekka put a hand out to stop him.
“She isn’t feeling it today, love.”
Einar rejoined Rebekka behind the bar. Jysarra and Kyra took a seat opposite them.
“My apologies,” Jysarra said.
“I’d say you’ve nothing to apologize for, but that wouldn’t be true. Disappearing for years. And still getting all flustered at a little hug.”
“I’m not flustered.”
Despite her protest, Jysarra did feel an uncomfortable warmth creeping up her neck.
“Sure you’re not. Anyway, who’s your friend?”
Kyra didn’t wait.
“Kyra, ma’am,” she said, extending her hand.
Rebekka took it.
“No ma’ams around here, love. Rebekka, please. And this walking, talking mountain of a man is my husband, Einar.”
“Pleased to meet you.”
Kyra extended her hand to Einar, who shook it as well. Jysarra cleared her throat.
“Now that pleasantries have been exchanged, I need a favor.”
“Course you do. Why else would you come here?”
Rebekka grabbed a loaf of dark brown bread from a cabinet and began slicing away at it. Jysarra’s eyes snapped shut for a beat, and she let a breath out.
That wasn’t fair.
“I need the password for the House of Earthly Delights tonight. A change of clothes for this one as well, if you have it.”
Einar poured a ladle of dark, hearty soup into two bowls and set them in front of Jysarra and Kyra. A moment later, a plate of fresh rye joined them.
“Our plates aren’t as fancy out here, my lady, but I challenge you to tell me this isn’t better than any overpriced dish you’ve had in Morninglow.”
A blush crept into Kyra’s cheeks.
“She’s teasing you, Kyra. Just eat.”
Jysarra turned toward Rebekka and stuck her tongue out like a petulant child.
“Keep that up and your face will get stuck that way. Eat up. I’ll see what I have for you to wear, my lady.”
“Just Kyra, please.”
Rebekka smiled at her and disappeared out the door Einar came in through. Jysarra broke her bread in two, dipped half into the bowl, and took a bite. It was just as good as she remembered. Kyra spooned the soup to her lips and a satisfied hum escaped her.
“It’s good, yes?”
“Very much so. How did you find this place?”
Jysarra swirled the other half of her bread through the soup.
“Back before the city guard patrolled the Coronal District, the Dark Ladies would regularly walk the streets to keep people safe. I happened upon the inn when a couple of would-be thieves were attempting to steal their day’s take.”
She took a generous bite of her bread.
“I didn’t know that,” Kyra said.
Jysarra raised an eyebrow.
“That you and your sisters patrolled the outer city. I thought King Brightwood’s personal guard was the only security out here.”
Kyra huffed out a breath. She seemed diminished, almost smaller, somehow.
“I’ve assumed so much, it seems. Perhaps I’m not as good a person as I’ve thought myself to be.”
Jysarra felt her chest tighten at Kyra’s words. She reached over tentatively, then gave Kyra’s hand a small squeeze.
“We all make assumptions. You shouldn’t be harsh on yourself for not knowing something. Especially as you would have been a child.”
Kyra looked up at Jysarra. Her eyes were glassy, though a smile was tugging at her lips again.
“I was fifteen when the King was sworn in, thank you very much.”
Jysarra began drawing slow circles on Kyra’s palm. She noted the rough calluses.
“I stand corrected,” she said, grinning.
Kyra narrowed her eyes on her.
“Stop that.”
She slipped her hand away from Jysarra’s. Kyra’s attention returned to her bowl, but Jysarra could swear she saw a blush forming and Kyra glance sideways at her. She had a quip ready when Rebekka burst in through the door.
“Got something functional for you, love.” Rebekka held the door open. “You can get changed back here.”
Kyra slid out of her chair, grabbed the bundle of clothes from Rebekka, and disappeared into the back of the inn. Einar had busied himself washing and rewashing the few dishes in the sink. Rebekka turned toward Jysarra. She leaned against the bar and just stared.
“What?”
“You tell me what. Looks like I walked in on something.”
Jysarra popped the last bite of her bread into her mouth to conceal her smile.
“Mmhmm. Your charm's going to get you in the wrong kind of trouble someday.”
“Noted. Do you have what I asked for?”
Rebekka pulled a small envelope from her pocket and slid it across the bar.
“You need to be careful at that place and take care.”
“I appreciate the thought, but I am more than capable of defending myself.”
“I mean you need to take care of that girl. You’re taking her into a world she doesn’t know.”
Jysarra slid a piece of parchment from the envelope, studied it for a moment, then pocketed it.
“Kyra is capable. She’ll be fine.”
Rebekka reached over the bar and thumped Jysarra on the forehead.
“What was that for?” she said, rubbing at the spot.
“For being stupid. She is your responsibility out there. If anything happens to that girl you’ll get far worse than a thump on the head.”
Jysarra stuck her tongue out again. “Thanks, Mom.”
Rebekka sighed. “You always were a little bratty.”
Jysarra stood and strolled around the room. The walls were littered with artwork along with scraps of old poems and songs all about Laurentian myths and legends. She paused at one, a poem about the “Lone Land”, or “Ensomland" in Laurentian. It was about her people’s ancestral home in what is now Avalonia. Jysarra didn’t have to dwell on that somber thought as the door behind the bar opened. Kyra reappeared as a wholly different person. Her trousers had been replaced with linen work trousers. A rough linen tunic of faded gray sat beneath a jacket of moss green. Her hair had been taken down from the tight bun to now lie against her back in a tight ponytail. Rebekka folded up the sleeves to Kyra’s mid-forearm and stepped back to survey her.
“You look like a girl straight off the docks.”
“Is that good?”
“No one will think twice about you, love. Which is exactly what you’re wanting. Right Jessie?”
Kyra looked at Jysarra. Her eyes were searching Jysarra’s. Was she seeking approval? Jysarra was taking it all in. Kyra fidgeted under her gaze, pulling at the sleeves of her tunic.
“R-right. Yes.” Jysarra swallowed. “This will do fine.”
A faint smile played on Kyra’s face as she turned toward Rebekka.
“Thank you. About my clothes…”
“Don’t you worry about that. They’ll be safe here. I have to head inside the walls tomorrow. I can drop them at your estate if you’d like.”
Kyra’s eyes went wide.
“No. No, I couldn’t ask that of you. If you could hold onto them for me until I’m able to return, it would be most appreciated.”
“Of course, dear.”
Rebekka wrapped her arms around Kyra in a tight hug. Kyra looked surprised at first, but her expression melted into something warm and she embraced the old woman back.
“You be careful out there, okay?”
“I will, ma’am.”
Rebekka took a few steps over to Jysarra and grabbed her into a hug as well.
“You remember what I told you. And don’t be a stranger.”
“You have my word.”
“Well that’s shit,” Einar said with a laugh.
He came over and clapped a hand on Jysarra’s shoulder, lingering a beat, then turned and shook Kyra’s hand. Jysarra grabbed her sword.
“Thank you. For everything.” She turned to Kyra. “We should go.”
Jysarra walked out the front door without another word, Kyra in tow. The sun was beginning its long descent toward the eastern horizon past the Sabre Mountains.
Jysarra watched the light catch Kyra’s hair every so often, making it look like braided fire.
***
Jysarra had meandered throughout the lower Coronal District after leaving the Honest Arrow Inn. Kyra had pressed her once for an explanation, but she seemed to be sated when Jysarra told her it would be best to wait for the sun to set before going to the House of Earthly Delights.
Instead, Jysarra had paid a visit to Yavanna at the Natural Path Apothecary, buying herself a vial of violet oil and, while the House of Holy Suffering was not her denomination, she made a small offering and asked for the Broken God’s blessing all the same.
By the time the two came upon the House of Earthly Delights the last rays of sunlight were all but a distant memory as darkness swallowed the narrow streets and alleyways of the Outer City, broken only by the occasional torchlight. The moon hung high and full in the evening's sky. Jysarra pulled Kyra aside as they approached the building.
“I need you to understand what you’re walking into.”
“It’s a brothel. I understand perfectly what happens in establishments such as this.”
“Knowing what goes inside and seeing it are two entirely different beasts.”
Kyra held her hand up.
“I’m not a child that needs to be shielded from unsavory parts of the world.”
Jysarra opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it a moment later. She studied the girl for a moment, then let out a sharp exhale through her nose. The corner of her mouth lifted.
All right, but don’t say I didn’t try and warn you.
She folded her arms and stepped aside. Kyra squared her shoulders and marched toward the entrance. Jysarra followed lazily behind her. Inside the entryway a Goliath as broad as a century-old oak barred the way deeper into the establishment. The muffled sound of drums and wind instruments pounded against the door behind the Goliath. Even within the entry vestibule the air was thick with perfume and incense. A young couple was being waved through and Kyra made to join them when an arm as thick as a tree trunk slammed the door shut.
“Can we go in?”
Jysarra laughed once under her breath.
“I was told the night blooms here.”
Kyra shot Jysarra a look, brows knitting, lips parting in disbelief. The bouncer turned toward Jysarra.
“Only for those who know how to water it.”
“Then I have brought wine.”
“No weapons,” he said.
Kyra looked to Jysarra, but she was already handing over her sword.
“You heard him. Besides, what use could you possibly have for your bow here?”
Kyra hesitated a moment, huffed out a breath, and handed over her bow and quiver. The Goliath stashed them in an alcove with other surrendered weapons and opened the door for them.
“All prices are final and we have zero tolerance for disrespect and violence.”
Kyra gave a nod and proceeded through the door. Jysarra gave the Goliath a wink and followed. Dim light drifted along the ceilings like liquid fire subtly shifting from violet to teal to rose and finally a pale gold. Faerie Fire. They walked through a long hallway that had semi-private alcoves on both sides of it. The doorways were obscured by beaded curtains with heavier curtains pulled back until wanted. Each alcove was themed in some small way. Jysarra spotted spring, summer, and autumn as well as ocean and forest themes, amongst others. Several of the alcoves were occupied with various types of people. A female Tabaxi kneading at a Dragonborn, a male Yuan-ti teasing a blindfolded Half-elf woman with a feather, and a male Halfling sandwiched between two well endowed female Goliaths, a huge grin on his face. Kyra’s shoulders drew in with each passing room, though she took passing looks into each one.
Both anxious and curious. Interesting.
They emerged into a large oval chamber. At one end was a polished bar filled with patrons. A male Tiefling with brilliant red skin, dark hair, and curled horns like a ram stood behind the bar slinging drinks. On the opposite side of the room was a raised stage currently occupied by a five piece Halfling band playing a melodic piece that drifted through the room. Small round tables littered the walls on both sides from the bar to the stage with cushioned divans and pillows on rugs interspersed between those. Balconies above featured dancers and guests watching from behind gauze curtains. A hallway opposite the one Kyra and Jysarra emerged from led to the private rooms where one could indulge their wildest fantasies…for a price.
“Fancy a drink, sunshine?” Jysarra asked, her lips hovering dangerously close to Kyra’s ear.
“No. Thank you”
“Afraid you might start enjoying yourself?”
Jysarra cut past Kyra and found a spot at the bar between two Dwarfs and a human woman. She flagged down the bartender and leaned over the bar to whisper into his ear. The Tiefling smiled, let his eyes make a slow appraisal of Jysarra, and poured her a drink that was a rich amber color. Jysarra took a sip and turned to see Kyra scowling at her.
“What now? Have I somehow offended you once again?”
Kyra crossed her arms over her chest.
“Does this work for you? The endless flirtation? The impudence?”
Jysarra took another drink. She swiped the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip to catch a drop.
“Yes.”
Kyra clenched her fists. “How wonderful for you. I would be most appreciative if you would stop directing your… charms my way.”
Jysarra swirled the liquid in her drink, then swallowed the last of it.
“On one condition,” she said, flashing her devious smile.
Kyra rolled her eyes and huffed out a breath.
“Which is?”
“Look me in the eye and tell me you’re not interested.”
Kyra leveled Jysarra with a gaze that was unmistakably angry. It only served to make the brilliant emerald of her eyes pop even more. Jysarra saw her mouth twitch. She turned and set her empty glass on the bar.
“Would it be so terrible to admit it?”
When Jysarra finally turned back, a Dark Elf woman was standing next to Kyra. Obsidian skin, straight white hair, red eyes, and she wore a red dress made of lace that was scandalous even by Jysarra’s standards. She smelled of crushed rose petals and regret.
“I thought I told you I never wanted to see you again.”
Jysarra’s lips pulled into a thin line. “Vairë. Yes, you did say that, it’s just that–”
Jysarra tucked her hair behind her ear and flashed a dangerous smile at Vairë.
“Don’t start.”
“What?” Jysarra asked, a mock innocence to her tone.
“Don’t insult me. You think I don’t know your signature move by now?”
Jysarra gave a dramatic roll of her eyes.
Vairë turned to Kyra. “Be on guard with this one. Plenty of girls have been charmed straight into bed by that hair tuck and smile alone.”
“Noted,” Kyra said, a grin pulling at her lips as she looked at Jysarra.
Jysarra, for her part, simply gave an unapologetic shrug.
Vairë held a hand up.
“I’ve had enough of your bullshit to last the rest of my life. I want you out of my club.”
Jysarra tapped her fingers nervously against her palms. Kyra shucked her jacket and undid the top two buttons on her tunic.
“Pardon me, miss, but we were pointed in your direction by a good Samaritan. And while I have no doubt this one,” She looked at Jysarra, then back to Vairë. “Deserves every bit of your ire, I am in need of any information you may have concerning the incident across the river last evening.”
Vairë stood there a moment, her expression unreadable. Jysarra’s tongue darted out to wet suddenly dry lips. This was not going well.
“And you are?”
Kyra trailed a finger from her jawline down past her collarbone to the swell of her chest.
“I’m Kyra. Pleased to meet you, Vairë.”
Kyra took Vairë’s hand and brought it up to her lips. Vairë took a step back and made no effort to hide that she was assessing Kyra with a slow sweep of her eyes. Jysarra leaned back against the bar and watched the scene playing out before her with rapt attention.
Who is this girl and what has she done to Kyra?
Vairë seemed amused if nothing else. She stood there staring into Kyra’s eyes. Kyra didn’t balk. Didn’t back down. She simply stared right back at Vairë.
“Well, at least you’re not boring. And you seem to have this one’s number already." She looked at Jysarra. “You have five minutes.”
Vairë walked off toward the far door and disappeared into one of the private rooms. Kyra made to follow, but Jysarra caught her by the wrist.
“What was that?”
“We needed her assistance. So I secured that.”
“Yes, but what was that?”
Kyra smirked. “What? You thought I didn’t know how to charm a woman into giving me what I want? Or that I’m above it all?”
Jysarra hesitated a moment, trying to reconcile the last few minutes with the entire day she’d spent with Kyra. The girl had moments that were amusing. The constant annoyance at Jysarra’s flirtations made it seem like she had a stick lodged up her ass. But now? Now she was seducing the preeminent Madam in all of Brighthollow with little more than a look and a little cleavage.
“Well, yes.”
Kyra shook her head, the grin on her face growing wider. “Of course you do. You’ve made a lot of assumptions about me since the moment I walked into your temple this morning. Now,” Kyra rebuttoned her tunic. “We have a few precious moments to pry information out of this woman. Let’s not waste it.”
Kyra walked off in the direction Vairë had gone. Jysarra considered getting another drink, but leaving those two alone was a bad idea no matter what the outcome would be. She wove her way through the growing crowd and slipped into the first private room outside the great room. Vairë had taken a spot on the padded couch, her legs tucked beneath her, and settled back with the same amused expression she’d worn when she walked off. Kyra sat next to her, legs crossed and her hand propping her chin up.
“Five minutes. Five questions. Ask anything you will of me and I will answer if I can,” Vairë said.
Kyra sat up straighter. “The fire in Brickstown last night. Was that the Faceless?”
“No, but they were working for them.”
Jysarra settled for a spot against the wall. Vairë was staring at Kyra and running her fingers along the swell of her chest. Jysarra was starting to think Vairë had chosen a private room for this conversation so she could make use of it with Kyra.
“Was there a magical item in that warehouse?” Jysarra asked.
“Yes, though I don’t know what it was. If they were willing to cause that much of a scene, though, it must be something of great power.”
“Do you know anything about a galleon sailing upriver last night?”
Vairë pulled her legs from under her and leaned toward Kyra.
“What do you know about that?”
She reached out and pushed a lock of hair from Kyra’s face, letting her fingers linger there. Jysarra’s jaw clenched. Vairë should not be touching Kyra.
“Stop flirting and answer the question.”
Vairë shot a look back her way, then made a show of tracing Kyra’s jawline before sitting back. Kyra noticeably blushed, however, Jysarra couldn’t help but notice she looked her way.
“Yes, I know of it. That is a thread you should not pull on.”
“And why not?”
“They will suffer no interference.”
Kyra leaned in toward Vairë now.
“The Faceless? Where can I find them?”
Jysarra pushed off the wall and closed the short distance to the couch. She placed a hand on Kyra’s shoulder and squeezed.
“That’s enough. We’re leaving.”
Kyra brushed Jysarra’s hand away. She shifted closer to Vairë.
“Tell me where they are.”
Vairë tilted her head and brushed her thumb across her lip.
“You are persistent, aren’t you? Keep pushing this and you will find out, though you won’t like what you find.”
She rose to her feet, giving Kyra one last longing look. She knocked Jysarra’s shoulder as she passed by.
“I’ll be upstairs if you wish to discuss other, more provocative topics of conversation.”
Vairë disappeared through the doorway, leaving the two of them alone. Jysarra closed the door and leaned against it.
“My apologies. She’s always been like this. Intentionally mysterious.”
Kyra stood and paced the room.
“On the contrary, she gave us plenty.” She waved her hands around as she spoke. “We need to press her for further information on the Faceless.”
Kyra stepped towards the door.
“The only thing that will accomplish is her charming you out of your small clothes.”
Kyra sneered at her.
“As if you haven’t been attempting that very thing all day? Spare me the concern.” She gestured toward the door. “Now if you would please move.”
Kyra reached for the handle, but Jysarra grabbed her wrist.
“I have to admit I like this side of you.”
Jysarra tucked her hair behind her ear. She leaned in and watched as Kyra’s eyes fell to her lips.
“Don’t. Just… please stop,” Kyra said, her voice trembling.
Jysarra stilled, watching her. A heartbeat passed. A blush crept up Kyra’s neck. She drew in a quick breath. She rose onto her toes, fingers catching the soft fabric at Jysarra’s hip to steady herself. Her eyes fluttered shut, and for a moment she stayed.
“You're beautiful.”
Kyra's eyes snapped open. She jerked her arm free and stepped back. For a heartbeat, she just stared at Jysarra.
“By the gods, enough!”
“What, sunshine?”
“That.” Kyra jabbed a trembling finger toward her. “That is what . I have asked, politely and repeatedly, for you not to call me that, not to look at me like that, and not to work your charms on me.”
“Oh come now, Kyra. It’s just harmless fun.”
“No, it isn’t. This is an active investigation. One that may be the spark that will light the fire between the Faceless and the Firelights. And you refuse to be anything more than a wandering libertine in the face of that fact.”
Jysarra’s lips drew tight. Her brow furrowed.
“How dare you.”
“No, how dare you . I told you I wouldn’t suffer you undermining my investigation and I meant it.”
“Kyra–”
“Don’t interrupt me. I hereby relieve you of your duty here. I will let your High Priestess know this was my decision and that your aid proved valuable but is no longer required.”
Jysarra stood there, slack-jawed.
“Finally nothing to say for yourself? No quip or cutting remark?”
I’m sorry.
“Goodbye, Jysarra Kil’rahel.”
With that Kyra turned, pulled the door open, and disappeared into the hall.