“Come on,” Andromeda called. “There are times of appointment even in this eternity.”

  “I’m trying,” Virgo said, picking up speed along the open gallery. “But don’t start running again; I can’t keep up.”

  “What are you talking about?” said Andromeda. “I’m not running.”

  “You call that walking? A step short of a sprint more like.”

  “Sure your brief nap hasn’t had an effect,” said Andromeda. “They always make you sluggish.”

  “Need stock up,” Virgo replied, drawing level with Andromeda stride for stride. “Considering all the sleepless nights that we are going to have; worrying about our champions.”

  “Floating into the slipstream…” Andromeda exhaled.

  “What is?”

  “You really want an explanation?” Andromeda continued. “Callisto, I can believe - sheds tears by the fountain-load. Even Lady Justice has let a few trickle down her face. But you - your sympathies died out long ago.”

  “Because I know what happens. Too many times in my case.”

  “And you are so alone in this,” a third voice said from their left.

  Virgo stopped and turned. Out of the corridor they had passed stepped a lady, also wreathed with a gentle stellar glimmer.

  “More than-” Virgo began.

  “Astraea,” said Andromeda. “We are not the only ones in being late.”

  “It’s alright Virgo,” Astraea replied, dress indigo and yellow in contrast to Virgo’s black and white and Andromeda’s pink and blue. “I get the point. Only I suspect I have a good reason to be late, Andromeda; as opposed to your excuses.”

  “Back from another eventful trip?” Virgo asked with a smile whilst Andromeda frowned.

  “A quarter of an hour ago,” Astraea said with a yawn. “To find Killyria lounging in my sitting room with a message from Lady Hearth and Architecture.”

  “That’s one title for Serencia,” said Virgo. “But you do realise that she’s a Princess like us, Themis.”

  “Don’t call me that…” said Astraea, seeming to get taller.

  “I can throw in Paesyn if that’s better.”

  “Only if you can stand Miss Viorica Bluebell.”

  “Say it again,” said Virgo, twinkling. “It’ll give me one reason to-”

  “Not now you’re not,” Andromeda said, sweeping between the two. “We’re late enough as it is.”

  “Wise move, Andromeda,” said Astraea, seeming to return to her more usual height, then continuing on her way. “Greater duties call.”

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “Don’t want to see where it goes more like,” Virgo whispered, then found Andromeda looking at her.

  “Have you forgotten who started this near-nova?” she began. “Aside from what she said about our excuses.”

  “Blame it on me not being awake yet,” Virgo said, smoothing the twinkles out of her dress then setting off. “I’ll apologise when I’ve - cooled down.”

  “Which might not until this is all over?” Andromeda added, catching up.

  “The sooner Miss This-is-Over arrives, the better.”

  * * *

  “Come along you two,” said Killyria. “We won’t be going anywhere at the pace you’re crawling at.”

  Naritsune tried to stop himself from coughing. Crawling. He and Feldaner had been doing anything but in this vast, pastel-decored palace. Walking, jogging; canter and a gallop. Skipping whilst crossing a floral courtyard; that made him think of joyful escapes from school. Until Killyria cleared most of the distance with a jump that had brought even Feldaner to a halt.

  “Trying our best, My Lady,” the Hermit Dignitary said. “I must say you’ve got quite a turn of speed.”

  “Speed?” Naritsune repeated. “She’s not human, jumping like that.”

  “Wish that you could?” Killyria asked, not further ahead, but so close that Naritsune had to throw himself to the side and just missed a still-going Kyray. “W-what are you - playing at?” he said, managing not to fall over. “I could have gone into the wall.”

  “Hardly,” said Killyria, walking past Naritsune and sitting on a nearby bench. “Two spans, Kyray?”

  “Yes, Madame,” said the dark-clothed elf who looked more like - Killyria - the longer this ‘jog’ went on. Although, he was looking at their seated host as much as Naritsune was.

  “Problem?”

  Naritsune looked at Feldaner, who shrugged his shoulders, then turned back to Killyria. “I thought you said that we were late.”

  “On time, to be precise,” she yawned. “Can’t say the same for the others.”

  “Don’t believe I’m seeing this. You can’t need a lie-down.”

  “Rest is important. Isn’t it, Feldaner?”

  “Yes, My Lady,” Feldaner said with a nod. “Not enough sleep can affect the whole of the following day.”

  “That jump’s tired you out?” said Naritsune. “You’ve had us canter, gallop, skip and jog like a bunch of horses. If anyone’s tired, it should be Feldaner.”

  “You didn’t just say that.”

  “It’s quite alright, My Lady,” said Feldaner. “A bit of exercise didn’t hurt anyone.”

  “Tell that to my cousin,” said Kyray, touching his side. “Kick like a trampler.”

  Naritsune put a hand to his mouth. “You ride - oxen?”

  “Not when they crash through the forest I don’t,” said Kyray, eyebrows raised.

  “He means a charger,” said Feldaner. “Horse if that helps. Although there is a kingdom; far to the east where an order of knights used to ride bulls.”

  “Should visit Miakristar,” Kyray added. “They ride rhinos.”

  “It’ll be mammoths, crickets, and angry dormice next,” Killyria yawned again.

  “Don’t think I’ve heard of Miakristar,” said Naritsune. “Is it near - you, Kyray?”

  “Under the North Star. At its best during the Auroras’.”

  “Only it’s now part of Sarjiharn-Miakristar,” said Feldaner. “On account of it being - conquered.”

  “Well put,” said Kyray.

  “Just as Shouriah-Nargactt is a combination of the kingdoms of Shouriah and Nargrenactt,” Feldaner continued, looking at Kyray. “Shouriah being notable for an infamous House.”

  “Feldaner…” Killyria said, getting to her feet.

  “Forgive me, My Lady. It was merely an example,” Feldaner bowed as Naritsune noticed that Kyray’s gaze had also hardened.

  “That would have been Altarasha-Carradon,” Killyria replied, seeming to get taller. “Or Dor-Kennisten. Although Dor’s full name escapes me.”

  “You’re not alone,” said Kyray. “It’s been a riddle for loremasters for cycles. Not helped by two queens and three cities all claiming to be the Dor.”

  “You mean - it’s a title?” said Naritsune.

  “Explain to him when there’s an interval,” Killyria said, striding away. “On-time has turned into late.”

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