The Web of Iron

Chapter Twenty-four: Reunited

Arraxia dodged aside from the dagger, but Tanith was on her, duel swords in hand. Her tail lashed out and dodged one of Tanith's blades. The demoness' bosom heaved with the movement. Arraxia grabbed Tanith by one hand as Tanith's blonde hair flew around her. The blade was held in place. Tanith brought around her blade to strike at her neck. Arraxia stepped back before Tanith kicked Arraxia in the chest. As her steel boot hit the demoness, her enemy returned to smash against a tree. As she recovered, Tanith went at her with duel swords.

Arraxia ducked under the blades that would have beheaded her. The blades cut clean into the bark of the trees without slowing. The demoness slashed with a claw at Tanith, but the girl leaped back, stance ready. For a moment, they stood in place, gazing at one another. Arraxia smiled as they circled.

"As violent as ever, I see," said Arraxia. "You really should listen to your master's words on this. I'd hate for you to choke on your leash."

"Let me show you just how violent I can be, demoness," said Tanith in a tone of bloodlust.

"Enough," said William, who had not expected her to show up again sooner or later. This fight was wholly pointless and served to achieve nothing. So he rose in his armor with a hand on his sword. "Tanith, step back. She may have something of value to say."

Tanith stepped back but did not sheathe her swords. "Whatever you say, William."

"Arraxia," said William. "What do you want?"

"Why, to provide you a means by which you can free your precious Dreaming Goddess, of course," said Arraxia. She was leaning forward and cupping his cheek.

"From you, you mean," said William, shifting from her grip.

"But of course," said Arraxia, tail flicking around her waist. "In truth, you should thank me. Our wills are combined through Baltoth's Retribution. Since I am wholly immune to the pillars, some of that immunity passes to her."

William didn't believe it for a second. "And I suppose that makes you wholly blameless in all things. And that you have only the best intentions. Shall I ignore your blatant ambitions while you ready the knife to drive into my back?"

"I would ever so appreciate it if you could," said Arraxia, walking past him with swaying hips. The crescent tip of her tail moved past his throat. "It will be just like that wonderful trip you made to Gel Carn."

"I will not," said William, keeping his gaze on her. "What are you proposing, and how do you mean to achieve it?"

"The source of the power of the pillars is an artifact known as the Void Stone. It fell from the stars many centuries ago and lies deep within the palace of the Iron King," said Arraxia. She leaped onto a branch, lay on one side, sticking a hip out, head supported on a claw. "Destroy it, and you will break the spell over the Iron Kingdom. Your gods will be able to enter it once more. They can do their insufferable godly things in all their hypocritical glory." Her tail flipped.

"Ah," said William. "And what do you gain out of all this?"