The Web of Iron

Chapter Twenty: Breaking Free

It was a barren and miserable shore. But that was redundant. This place was barren and miserable, even if it teemed with life. The shore was slightly less miserable. There were no pillars on the sea, so more of the world's beauty escaped the ravages of the Iron King's will.

Kiyora sat by the shore here, thinking. For a time, she remained there. Eventually, Alchara appeared in front of her, walking out of the distance of the waves. Kiyora privately hoped a wave would splash her, but no such luck as she came near.

"Well, we have a problem," said Alchara.

"No, really?" asked Kiyora, almost laughing.

"This would never have happened if you had simply cooperated with me, Kiyora," said Alchara. "I tried to warn you, but you wouldn't listen. What did you expect would come from working with a demon?"

"Well, I kind of figured I could stop your imperialistic agenda," said Kiyora.

"And as a result, you are now in the power of Arraxia," noted Alchara.

"Not really," said Kiyora. "I'm not actually trying my hardest to break free. I'd already decided to take a break from helping the Nakmar with every little thing."

"And I suppose being the slave to Arraxia is superior?" asked Alchara.

"Well yeah," said Kiyora. "She talks a lot, so I can figure out what she's up to. And I'm about to turn the tables on her anyway." When had that thought come to her? It was like she was thinking below the surface but not aware that she was doing it.

Weird.

"And how do you intend to do that?" asked Alchara, looking at her keenly.

"Well, her whole plan is based around no one knowing about what they're up to," said Kiyora. "I mean, if the Harlenorian Kingdoms found out the Iron Kingdom, their fleets would sail with the tide.

"So all I have to do is get the word out."

"And what are your plans for that?" asked Alchara.

"I'm still figuring that part out, okay," said Kiyora, but that wasn't true. She just didn't know she'd figured it out long ago before this happened. "I'm going to make contact with the spirits of the sea." Her thoughts were getting really weird today, weren't they? "If I can free Captain Hrungeld and Tanith, they can go tell Duke Vanion. Then they can burn the city down, or negotiate, or whatever.

"He owes me anyway."

"You will have difficulty leaving the area around the pillars," noted Alchara.

"Good point," said Kiyora. "You get some of the spirits of the sea to come here so I can talk to them."

"Who are you to command me?" asked Alchara.