With the enhanced vision Spirit Body lent him, Marek spied each of his traveling companions. Gorb was digging a massive hole just outside the ring of stones, for some reason, and a pile of soil rose up behind him. Niamh's tiny form flitted this way and that above the golemite. Ashurai wrestled with Rushi near the ashes of the fire pit. The panganid writhed on her back, kicking up dust and snapping at his hands.

  Mags and Yuze were on guard together, positioned on the far edge of camp facing the forest. Upon closer inspection, Marek noticed his friend stood on one leg. Something wobbled atop her head. Yuze watched on, body still and face serene.

  Almost like they didn't miss me at all, he thought. Perhaps I should leave them be. If I do, there's a much better chance none will be hurt in the coming conflict. His daemon purred in approval but didn't speak. Allon’s reaction was enough to clear Marek's mind. The creature hungered for any excuse to leave everyone behind and commit to a life of endless slaughter.

  Marek couldn't blame the creature. Born of the Rift, Allon was demon kin. He'd told Marek briefly of the creatures that spawned in that forsaken place, of their violent nature and the constant craving for power. Apparently, demon hierarchy was a tumultuous thing. The most powerful of their numbers alone found stability, ruling for centuries or longer. Those of lesser rank fought and schemed and devoured one another in a constant cycle. According to Allon, this was only natural, for it allowed the strong to rise quickly.

  Gathering his resolve, Marek glanced at the little Haikini beside him. "Are you ready to finish our journey? I have friends I want you to meet."

  Tessin Lin’s ears twitched. "I am ready.”

  The Haikini was withdrawn, and still likely in shock from the slaughter of her companions. Marek had been surprised when Tessin Lin spoke just minutes after he'd rescued her. She was smart and brave, and not quite as young as Marek had originally presumed, an adolescent of thirteen years. Once she’d crawled onto Marek's shoulders, the two ran down the hillside. Her furry paws clutched his chainmail shirt as they picked up speed. Marek's silent company ran behind. Their legs knew no fatigue, so he didn't have to worry about slowing or stopping for breaks. Minutes later, he came to the ring of stones.

  Mags was the first to spot him. She called out his name, and whatever she'd been balancing on her head fell to the ground. "He's back!" she called to the others in the camp. "Marek's back!"

  Ashurai, Gorb, and Niamh came out to meet him. All looked shocked when he set the Haikini girl down. She promptly stepped behind his back and peered at everyone with wide eyes.

  "This is Tessin Lin," he said. "She's a Briarmancer—and quite a powerful one, I might add."

  "And her people?" Ashurai asked, gaze hard and knowing. "Ah," he said, reading Marek and the girl's reaction adeptly. "I see."

  Marek knew the next part would cause friction, so he got it out of the way. "We're not alone. I have a few soldiers with me, all loyal and none dangerous to any of you. Please, do not attack them." Mags frowned, suspicion etched in her features. "This is Tinrick, my champion, and the others are Haikini spirits that wished to avenge their fallen. Their souls are good and honest, and they died well," Marek said solemnly. "Treat them with respect."

  Seven bound spirits marched into view, five forming his newly organized squad. After the partial destruction of the first, Marek had learned the flexibility of his Spectral Commander Trait. He'd been able to promote a new leader, this time an Archer. Three of the spirits held ethereal bows. The Healer had survived and assumed his previous role, while the fifth member was Marek's first Defender.

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  Tinrick and the seventh soul stood apart, both bowing while the squad remained still and vigilant.

  "Tinrick was a great war chief that helped me defeat a party of Graysouls. He's my champion, which means he's not only more powerful but seems capable of greater autonomy and intelligence. The spirit beside him is Tessa Rin, Tessin Lin's late mother and High Priestess of the Fabled Leaf Clan."

  None, not even Gorb, seemed capable of a proper response. Marek nearly chuckled. What did he expect, after all? He'd just introduced his friends to a group of lingering spirits. It was Mags who broke the awkward silence.

  She stepped forward and bowed, placing a hand over her heart as she did so. "I'm Mags Strongtower. Pleasure to meet you all."

  The gesture allowed for a swifter end to the reunion, which Marek was infinitely grateful for. He ordered the spirits to stand guard around the camp in groups of two and three, and everyone gathered around the campfire. As the sun faded in the sky and a newly kindled fire warmed them, Marek and his companions began a much-needed conversation. He told them of his resolve to join the Haikini and seek to destroy the Culling Blade. His logic was simple: Tessin Lin and her mother had informed him that a stand of ironwoods grew among a sacred grove in their territory. The conflict with the Druskin and the great battle that would soon be fought stood in his way.

  He ended his short speech by presenting them with a choice. "You may come with me, but I understand if this isn't your fight. Take your time to decide. I'll be leaving in the morning."

  "I will go," Ashurai said at once, “as will Rushi."

  Mags, red in the cheeks for some reason, spoke after. "I'm with you, of course. Shouldn't have to ask." Yuze bobbed his head beside her and stepped closer to the woman, giving his own response silently.

  Gorb hummed deeply, its luminous eyes dimming. "I am golemite. I will not partake in the wars of men or beast kin. Niamh won't either, though I do believe she would agree to heal the injured when the battle is finished."

  "Healing, yes," she said quietly. "But never hurt!"

  "We will come with you," Gorb added. "If the battle will occur in the mountains ahead, we might as well keep traveling as a group."

  Marek nodded. "Then it's decided. Thank you all. Now, I'm going to speak with my spirits before the stew is finished. I'll be back shortly."

  He left and Tessin Lin followed, a quiet shadow at his side. Before he'd gotten fifty feet from the ring of stones, Mags caught up. Her cheeks burned brightly, and she shoved him in the chest.

  Marek frowned in confusion. "What's wrong? You seem upset."

  "Upset!" she shouted. "Damn you, Marek! I'm furious! You keep leaving to kill stuff on your own. Every day you're more powerful than the last—taller, darker, scarier! And that look in your eyes! Can’t you see? You're losing yourself!"

  He swallowed hard. Something shifted in his chest, melted just enough to allow her words to sink in. "I... I'm doing the best I can."

  Mags shoved him again before pressing her body into his. Her arms trembled as she embraced him, and tears soaked his tunic. His friend felt different, her arms stronger, and there was an intangible power exuding from her body.

  "Damn you, Marek," she repeated, quietly this time. "I know you’re trying, but please, try harder." She drew back and looked up into his eyes. He realized she was right. His friend seemed tiny in his arms, shorter than ever, which was proof he hadn't yet stopped growing. "Promise me one thing?" she asked.

  "Anything. What is it, Mags? If I can manage it, I'll do it."

  She wiped her cheeks and pressed a hand to his sternum. "Don't leave," she said. "I feel you pulling away. I feel you withdrawing deeper and deeper into yourself. Fight it, Marek. Stay with me. Just a little longer. After this battle, we'll find the blasted ironwoods. Stay with me a little while longer and we'll both be fine, okay?”

  A lump swelled in Marek's throat. Tears welled in his own eyes as a trickle of warmth swam amid the blocks of ice that had formed around his soul. He pulled her close again. Then he whispered an oath more sincere than any he'd made before. "I will, Magpie. I won't leave you—I promise."