Eleanor looked troubled at Miss Aditi’s sudden request, but Aditi held her ground. I didn’t know her well, not at all, but judging by the reas of her panions, such wilfulness aermination seemed unusual. From the little tact I’ve had with her, she’s always seemed rather softly spoken and polite.

  “I… am not sure what to say.” Eleanan. “Aditi, we have nht to make such a request, but do you believe you could succeed?”

  Aditi wasn’t sure, but her brown eyes were resolute. “Princess, I have no idea. But… if a ce could y way to repce what was lost, and once again stand by your side, I wish to seize it.”

  The members of Adamant and the crowd looked on, curious. Our allies from Britain came up to the stage me and my girls were on, and I unicated silently with Eri, who said I should decide based on how I felt, and I was surprised when David spoke up. “It’s a big ask, sure, but we’re all friends here, right?” He draped an arm around my shoulder, grinning savagely, amused. “It’s not like I don’t get the urge to help out yirls, pyboy.” He wi Motoko and Natsumi. “Ordinarily I’d cheer for you both, especially you, fangirl.” He addressed Natsumi, who rolled her eyes, but she wasn’t displeased. “But little miss Indian here is one of my rades, and as the battle-king of Britaio Caturix, I don’t let my rades down. Sive me.” He winked, and Natsumi giggled.

  “You’re awfully brave.” Shiro chuckled. “Flirting with Natsumi here in front of Aki.”

  “I’m not flirting.” David snorted, amused. “I’m not the sort of man who o steal women from other people. But I’m a professional, I have to respect those smart enough to be my fans!”

  “As egotistical as ever, Mr Reckless.” Mary-Jane said quietly. “If I may… as someone who knows what it is to lose these new powers… some may see it as a relief, perhaps. Setting down their burdens, but for those of us who have stood beside Princess Eleanor, and our other rades, we know… if we don’t carry it, someone else has to take that weight as well. If I could have my powers returned… I waver, but perhaps I would, despite the danger.”

  “Yes, you uand me well.” Aditi agreed. She bowed to me and the Princess. “I certainly do not feel I have alement to this boon. In fact, I have been receiving your kindness…” she said to me early. “…for some time. First in saving my life, and sedly, in showing me a path taining some strength and purpose. And I am no liar. My parents raised me to be upright. So I certainly ot pledge to serve you, for I have already given my word to Princess Eleanor. However…” she curtsied again. “…I assure you that as long as it does not promise my iy or harm the efforts of the Princess, you call and I will answer.”

  “This is… troubling.” Eleanor said at st. “We are allies, certainly, though asking for this seems a bit much.” She paused. “Though of course you had ation in robbing me for your aid, so my sce could stand it, I think.”

  Shaeu ughed at that, ing over. “Of course. And there will be more-more to take. Vassals and wives, both-both shall have their due, as agreed. But…” she was serious now. “Even your treasures pale in parison to the gifts-gifts of these Gods. But do not-not let the value sway you. It is simply a matter of iability.” She snorted happily. “After all, Princess of Humans, you are tied to us by the very threads of Fate itself.”

  “Miss Aditi, you are here, so of course you pete.” I said at st. I hoped that Motoko or Natsumi would win the Favour, of course, and I was tempted to offer it to them without question ahem decide amongst themselves, but that was short-term thinking. There were a number of bes to this current pn, such as showing off our power to Adamant and my other allies, finding a host who would use the Favour to its greatest extent, and more. Besides, Eri’s showhat strength doesn’t have to be tied to Favours. In fact, I imagine she could defeat a number of Chosen, should she fight them early, though obviously any number with broken or deadly abilities would defeat her in turn. “We’re all fighting for the same thing, which is the safety of those we love, our tries, and humanity. We have mutual defence agreements and more. So… yeah. It’s fine.”

  As Aditi thanked me, I waved it off. “Hey, don’t get cocky, Motoko and Natsumi will be taking part too, and you ’t t out Bell or Soliteare.”

  “I will thank you anyway.” Eleanor said seriously. “Again, you have treated us with great fairness, even if you did pluhe Tower.” She seemed unwilling to let that go. “Miss Motoko, Miss Natsumi…” she o Aditi’s rivals in this challenge. “…once more I apologise for nearly ruining an importa in your life with my own narrow-mindedness. It seems we are destio be at odds.”

  “It is nothing to be ed about.” Motoko said calmly. “In the end, our debut was a great success, and my parents and grandparents were proud, and my cssmates envious. Akio is proo being misuood.”

  “That’s right.” Natsumi agreed. “It’s just one more rival to battle. And there will be no hard feelings. If it isn’t meant to be, it won’t e to us.” As David praised them, admiring their martial spirit, it was settled.

  As Bell and Soliteare joined Motoko, Natsumi and Aditi oage, I expily what the trial would entail. “This may be over swiftly, or it may take days, weeks or longer. But essentially, the five of you have to plete tthen your patibility with the Favours.” There were only people I trusted here, so after giving the crowd that expnation, I went into more depth with the petitors. “There seem to be multiple facets to it. As to how people are chosen to bear these gifts, it’s irely clear, but we do know from experience a lot of details.” Some weaselkin and ratkin maids brought us all refreshments. My girls were eagerly listening to me expin, and the members of Adamant and the Fae were also partaking in a generous feast id out to raise morale.

  “The first thing is it depends on the God. Personality traits and experiences like the Gods from myth seem to be an indicator. Like how I hate dogs.” I ughed at myself. A wolf like Fenrir wasn’t a dog, but it was the little things like that which could make a big difference. “Jumong is worshipped in Korea, and I have some basiformation. In addition to personality, experiences seem to be a factor too. If you mirror some, then it seems more likely to take.”

  “That’s down to the adherence, right?” Shiro questioan, and nodded. “Yeah, makes sense. You may not be able to make them yourself, but of course you’d know.”

  “There’s also having talent in the area. Sihis is an archery-reted favour, being a skilled bow user is likely key. Then there’s elemental affinities. Having the relevant Skill seems to make you more patible. Let me expin…”

  The description of the Favour was The wielder call upon arrows of potent light, near invisible and as swift as an eagle, yet precise enough to strike even a fly in flight. Just as Jumong struany prey animals with his precise accuracy, so too shall your foes be pierced with arrows as swift as light. “So breaking it down, it’s a light element, but archery is also very favourable with wind. Swiftness and precisioo be key. Holy, my sis could likely take it, if she was so ined.”

  My sis nodded proudly. “Yeah, and don’t get me wrong, my bro has doubled up, so I could too, but I’d rather someone else gets their ce.”

  “You are quite kind, Aiko.” Motoko praised her, and my sis looked embarrassed.

  “I wouldn’t say that. It’s just logical. Sure, it’d give me more offeions, but… I’m fident I learn to get my arrows that strong without a crutch. And a lot of the other bes are wasted on me. I was more than happy to cede to you or Natsumi-, but it seems you have it tough.”

  “I fear no petition.” Motoko decred. “Not fair petition, anyway.” At her gnatsumi flushed.

  “Sorry. we stop talking about that now?” she replied, and there was ughter.

  “So, if you o borrow anyone, feel free. The twins and Haru help with elements, and anyone else will be happy to support your efforts.”

  “All right!” Hinata decred loudly. “The petition is starting. Those of you from Adamant will be rewarded if your help pushes one of the challengers closer to success. So stay sharp!” Some of the members seemed excited at her words, and others were merely puzzled. I saw the two Shiraishi girls looking particurly lost, and I g Hinata. Seeing where I was looking, she sighed. “Don’t mind them. They aren’t used to things yet. But wheengokusentou is ba their hands, they’ll uand. Now I’m more determihao make the Koreans yield!”

  “In that case, I won’t be shy.” Natsumi ughed. “Are you ing, Motoko?”

  Motoko shook her head. “No, I shall return to the Material for a brief while. Good luatsumi.”

  “You too!” As they hugged, their brief dispute resolved, the two Elves grinned.

  “Akio, I’m going to show you I have what it takes!” Bell said proudly. “Watch me and thier of me, all right?” Her smile was seductive, and she grabbed Natsumi’s arm. “It’s a lot harder for us Fae to transd our limits, but I know it’s possible, I’ve seen it many times now. So help me!”

  “Don’t leave me out!” Soliteare pouted. She o me, seeming a little shy, before following Natsumi over to Shaeu, who buffed them with her fortunate winds. They then grabbed Haru, who let out a little ugh as they dragged her off towards the twins.

  “You fot me!” Shiro shouted, and Natsumi shook her head as Motoko entered one of the buildings and vanished.

  “No, I’ll be back ter when I work out what I want!” Natsumi yelled back, and in a flurry of activity, only Aditi of the petitors was left behind.

  “Slow out of the starting blocks, girl?” David ughed, but Sir Arthur shook his head, stroking his greying beard thoughtfully.

  “Haste makes waste, David. You should know that. While it is a petition, there is no time limit, and we are at an information disadvaaking a moment to pause is only wise.”

  “Yes, you’ve expined how it works, which…” Eleanor thought to herself for a moment, nodding. “Yes, it’s why we came, in a way. But while I’m grateful to you allowing Aditi to have a ce… we British respect fair py.” She crossed her arms, frowning. “It seems all the advantages lie elsewhere. Aditi is greatly behind.”

  “Is she?” I shook my head. “I’m irely so sure.” I eyed the bow Aditi carried, a treasure from the Tower. “After all, while not all Favours are created equal, there’s got to be some synergy.”

  “I have some questions, if I may. Your advice was iing, but I fear I am not as well versed in such matters as you are, Mr Oshiro.” Aditi asked, listing a number of perti questions. I told her to drop the formalities and call me Akio, ahrough her points. Yeah, she’s pretty sharp. She gets it. “In that case, I am ready to proceed. Again, you have my thanks for yenerosity, and if I repay this favour iure, I will do so.” She repeated her good wishes, and I felt a little embarrassed.

  “Hey, don’t talk like you’ve won. Motoko and Natsumi are fired up, and the Elves are no slouches either.” I scratched my cheek, and David couldn’t hold in loud guffaws at my bashfulness.

  “Hell, man. You’ve got like a dozen women, and you’re still all shy when little miss Indian here praises you? That’s damn weak, man. Weak. But then, some people prefer that to fidence, I guess.”

  “Shut up please, David.” Eleanor rolled her eyes at his banter. “Though you hardly o allow Aditi to participate, despite my plea. I still don’t fully uand your reasons. It seems terintuitive.”

  “I’ve touched on it, but holy, I’m a bit worried.” My sis being exposed on iional television has worried me. I could just have Motoko and Natsumi toss a to see who works on being patible, but… no, I get the urge to let Fortune or Fate decide. The slow building of Fht was being a shadow cast over me. “Speaking of… you all o be very careful. I serouble on the horizon.”

  Eleanor opened her mouth to speak, but at my serious expression, she paused. “Yes, I see. I ignored your warnings before, and… I regret it.” She sighed mournfully. “In fact… we are here for a reason in addition to the returned citizens. But we’ll talk about that ter.”

  David was the one sighing now, and surprisingly, Sir Arthur patted him on the shoulder reassuringly, while Mrs Mary-Jane was talking to Aditi, giving her some advice. Her mind made up, Aditi nodded. “Well then. Thanks to your insights I know what I must do. Wish me luck, Princess.”

  After a few more reassuring words from her rades, Aditi headed off, her eyes fixed on something down the hills that made up Shirohebizumi’s nds. Seeing what she was looking at, I couldn’t help but smile. Clever. Oh well, maybe this is a mistake, but doing it this way does increase everyone’s motivation, and shows to Adamant and my other allies that I’m prepared to offer them bes too. Though certainly if a Favour es up that fits one of the girls perfectly, they’ll get it, no questions asked, I’m sure. And speaking of…

  I sent a maid to fetch Azuki, and sootle Zashiki-Warashi waddled over, her short, doll-like legs struggling to cover the distance. On seeing her, Eleanor’s eyes sparkled, and she let out a bright excmation. “How cute! Simply adorable!”

  Spoiler

  [colpse]On seeing my surprised expression, she flushed, c her face with one hand. After a moment she posed herself, aed herself, in a more ordinary tohis doll is quite pretty, very cute.”

  “Do you like dolls, Eleanor?” I asked, and she nodded slowly.

  “I always have, as you imagine, grandmother has a great colle of antique dolls from all around the world, and is always receiving new ones as gifts wheravels abroad on state visits. I used to admire them when I was younger, and I have a few of my own.”

  “The Princess here is a woman after all.” David ughed, only to shut his mouth at her steely gre, though it couldn’t stop his smile.

  “I’m not a doll, I’m Azuki!” she protested. “What do you want, master? I’m busy.”

  That’s a lie. I’m not a fool. Azuki speime either zing around the shrine, being spoiled by Keomi-, Marika- and the other shrine maidens, or at our new home, where mom and auntie Hana enjoyed her pany. It’s not like I don’t uand her, she was trapped in Takakura Antiques in the Boundary with that corrupted Kami for a very long time. Now she’s free from her torments she wants to enjoy herself and rex. But… “I’m sure you are. But Azuki… I have something to ask you. You’ve been listening to what we’ve been talking about, haven’t you?”

  “I have.” Azuki said, not uanding.

  “In that case…” I weighed up my words. “Azuki, it turns out I think you have a very good patibility with one Favour. It would ordinarily be useless, patible or not, you’re not human, your Chakra work is too different, but we know it be done, as Ginneka proves.”

  “Me?” Azuki titled her head adorably. I heard a quiet squeal, and turned my head, only to see Eleanor looking as if nothing had happened. Ign that, I nodded.

  “Yes, you. The Favour seems rather unsuited for battle. It probably has its uses, but it’s nothing special, at least not without signifit strengthening. More importantly though, having ara Territory avaible has its uses, especially when it es to gathering resources.” Assuming that the number of Ether Spires tio grow at a simir rate, the Territory would expand far faster in area, so more and more pockets of valuable elemental and other resources would go untapped, unless I established Vassal Territories to exploit them. There’s also another option of using it to protect our home, with an additional Territory Barrier. Yeah, that might well be wise…

  “I see. I’m fttered, master, but I have to be ho, I don’t think I’m who you need. I’m a humble Zashiki-Warashi, meant to watch hearth and home, and… hey, no, no, no! Put me down!” Azuki squealed, waving her small arms and kig her little legs as a figure in a maid outfit bounded doicked her up, her long dark hair swaying, purple and green streaks catg the light.

  “You insooolent little brat! Hyath thinks you should be hooo the thought of helping the master! Akio has offered yooou an opportunity the other mistresses envy, I envy. Akio saved yooou, little doll, and you thank him by refusing his generosity?” Hyath’s eyes gleamed dangerously, and Azuki protested.

  “But you’re strong! Scary, but strong! I’m just happy to be alive, and…”

  “Alive thanks tooo the master and mistress Shaeu!” Hyath growled. “Have some pride! Yooou are my rival, little house spirit!”

  “Calm down.” I patted Hyath on the shoulder, and her gaze softened, but I could tell she was still mad, as vines were starting to sprout around her, writhing like snakes. “Not everyone is as eager as you are.” As the others watched on, with a mixture of amusement and , I addressed Azuki as she struggled. “Hyath may be too aggressive, but she’s right. I want you to protect the home we all share. Isn’t that what you do? Azuki, Shaeu and I surely rescued you for a reason. Shaeu thought that she needed you, and I believe now it’s for this. We ’t always be there to protect our home and our family. Maybe you do it.”

  “I’m not strong. Otherwise I wouldn’t have been caught by that monster.” Azuki shuddered, remembering, her red eyes moist. “I just want a quiet, happy life from now on.”

  “Don’t you like living with us all?” Kana asked, being somewhat familiar with Azuki. “I know Keomi- adores you, and the others py with you sometimes. You’ve seen our shrine go from a humble, run-down dump to something special, and now we even have the mansioe iral Tokyo. Aren’t you happy?”

  “I am, yes, but… I’m not good enough.” She admitted, insecure. “My st home is gone. I barely even remember it. Perhaps the family did not survive. I… I am still scared. Scared of g again, of losing again. Of being hurt again. Far better to live in idleness and make no attats.”

  “Wrooong!” Hyath snapped, as if her words had touched a raw nerve, paining her. “Wrooong, wrong, wrooooooooong!” Her words were like howls, and she trembled like a leaf in the breeze. “Hyath knows your pain, yooour loss. I know it better than you, little doll! I was uo protect her, to turn her frooom…” She ched shut her mouth to stop the words esg, blood flowing, scattering silver and red onto her uniform and Azuki’s frilly dress, unnoticed. “…it does not matter, nooot now. I have a name again, and a new home to proteew family tooo love. Yes, I fear loooss, more than ever. But I cherish what I have nooow!” her words were heartfelt, and Shaeu was looking at her with , as was Asha. Protect her? Is Hyath starting to remember? If so… I wouldn’t pry. When Hyath was ready, she would talk, and we would help her with her regrets if it ossible.

  “Akio won’t force you.” Eri agreed. “But what do you actually lose? We’re only asking you to do what you really want. You’ve had time to rest. I remember when Akio bought you for Shaeu. I was jealous. I mean, I was his girlfriend at the time. Now I’m still a little jealous, but…” Cat ears and tail sprang into life, ad her. At that, David let out a low whistle. “…trust me. When the day es and you rength, don’t look ba now a because you were fearful, zy and weak and chose poorly.”

  “Hey, Akio’s other Vassals have it pretty easy.” Hinata joined in. “He’s ready to protect them, same as always. You’ll have it easiest. Your Territory will just be for using a barrier athering resources.” Hinata had grasped my point, uanding that iure, as my Territrew, other Territories would be more useful for seg specific areas, rather than holding ground. “And more to the point, don’t you think you were rescued for a reason? It’s not just to py around with us girls. Imagihe children. You could be their protector.”

  “The children?” Azuki screwed up her face. “I’m not a doll, not a toy… but… I miss the children.” Her tone was mournful. “A home is no home without a family. Go on, put me down!” Azuki beat at Hyath with her small fists, and she chuckled, letting her fall. “Ouch, you did that on purpose, brute!” Azuki rubbed at her bottom through her lo skirt. “I’m holy very zy. I am. So I don’t want to work hard.”

  “No, it seems not. In fact, I’ve never seen anyone less ined to a. All you want to do is sleep, then occasionally py around. Even sending messages between here and the Material used to tire you out.” I grinned. “But… that’s why you’re perfect, I guess. Azuki…” I k down so I could look at her on her own level, more or less. “I’m not going to order you. Power isn’t a pulsion, it’s a privilege. But… if you don’t want tret, take what’s offered.”

  Azuki bit her lip, nodding. “I never want to go into the darkness again. I like the light, the sound of others. Even when I sleep, I…” she ched small fists. “…feel those around me, and I know I am not alone, I have a home to dwell in. But… I’m scared. Of ge.”

  “Foolish little doooll. Not all ge is bad.” Hyath scoffed, though her eyes seemed a little kinder. “But yooou are missing the most important poooint. Akio is the master of our household, the master of us. Dooo what he says, and be grateful!”

  “I wouldn’t put it like that.” I scolded her gently. “But…” I picked up Azuki, smoothing down her wrinkled dress. “…pared to what you’ve suffered, this will be over in a fsh, and then you’ll find your worries fading.”

  She looked at me, her red eyes watery, before nodding, and speaking in a tiny, quiet voice. “If… if I must. Will… will there be much pain?”

  I shook my head. “Some is unavoidable, but with my Chirurgery now, it shouldn’t be hard to minimise it.”

  “All right then.” Shiro remarked. “We’ll leave you to it. Hyath, you watch over her. I’m going to cheer on Motoko and Natsumi.”

  “I shall as well.” Shaeu agreed, and one by ohe others moved to support the girls as they strove to improve themselves.

  “ we… observe?” Eleanor asked. They had experieny Chirurgery, when I repaired Miss Aditi and Mrs Mary-Jane, but they were curious. Out of more than just a whim, if I’m not mistaken.

  “Sure. Not that there’s much to see…” Not unless you have very good Eyes…

  ********

  “That did hurt.” Azuki protested, pouting. “I feel strange.” She tottered on unsteady legs, trying to get used to her increased abilities. The Favour did strengthen all of her attributes, but it wasn’t a rge gain. Even so, the small doll was likely much strohan the average person now.

  “Your work is closer to Ginneka’s than mine, so I had some experience. I made a few mistakes, so I’m sorry, but in the end we succeeded.” I patted her head, and she puffed out her cheeks, though she didn’t look too displeased. Beside me, Hyath nodded, smirking.

  “Yooou did well. Though a true servant does nooot o be bullied into doing her duty. But… go rest.” That was the greatest cession Hyath could give, and Azuki bli her, shocked.

  “You heard her, you might as well.” I chuckled, touched at Hyath’s care. Despite their bickering and rivalry, though that’s mostly in Hyath’s head, I guess, they aren’t enemies. “Holy, your duties won’t ge much, you’ll just have a small Territory to manage, and be more aware of any threats to the home and our family.” While w on her, which had drained my lingering adherence, leaving me needing to go back to Tan for more, or destroy some other Favours, I had decided the best course of a, especially with my feelings of ominous Fht, would be to have Azuki drop her Anchor at our e. There wasn’t many resources around to exploit, so it wouldn’t bring in much ether, but quickly pushing it to Rank 3 and strug some Empts would give me peaind, and since we owhe nd ierial, attackers in both worlds would then be somewhat disadvahe ether required be ferried over by a voy easily enough, and it’s a pittahat won’t slow our pns...

  “Fine.” Azuki yawned. “I’m sleepy anyway.” Her eyes blinked slowly, and Hyath aking her from me.

  “I will see her hooome. Have no fear.” Hyath promised, and I kissed her cheek as a reward, making her flush. I’m not going further in pany. Brits are simir to the Japanese, in that public dispys of affe aren’t a dohing.

  As they left, Eleanor was looking a little troubled. Sir Arthur then spoke to me, his blue-eyed gaze intense. “Your abilities tio impress. In fact, that is one of the reasons we have e. The Princess hesitates to speak of it. For some reason she seems a little shy around you now…”

  “Sir Arthur!” Eleanor protested loudly, face red. “I am merely feeling the pressure of gratitude. Grandmother, mother and father all taught me to pay back the good twofold, and Henry and Richard to pay back the ill fivefold. Even now, Akio is allowing Aditi a ce at… well, a sed ce. It speaks well of him.”

  “You’re not being ho, Princess.” David grinned. “You’ve been feeling the weight of carrying everything on your shoulders. It’s good to share. Look man…” he said to me. “…you know we’ve had to deal with some shit. That stupid redhead, and Donovan, the fug prick… well, it’s time to deal with it.”

  “Mind yuage, Mr Reckless.” Mrs Mary-Jane warned him. “I know it is an upsetting matter, but we are in pany.”

  “Yeah, yeah, got it, teach.” He shot back. “Anyway. Sarah… she’s had enough, and we ’t live in the past forever, none of us .” His expression was calm, but I could see turmoil in his eyes. “So she asked us to destroy her Avalon, and the brats and the mad nun’s ooo. So that we strengthen ourselves, a some damn closure. But… if it’s possible for little miss Indian and teach here to get back what they’ve lost, or at least a damn substitute…”

  “It’s time. My heart is heavy, but we ’t put it off for ever. You say that you feel danger ing, then we… have to be prepared, else our sacrifices, and overing the betrayal, the blood on our hands…” Eleanor’s hands were trembling a little, I could see even though she was wearing gaus. “…would be for nothing. We failed to do more than provoke several interlopers, who faced death rather than provide us any useful intelligence, so our reasons to leave up their Territories are no longer valid. Instead, it poses a signifit risk, having thorns digging into the flesh of Britain.”

  “A leader has to make hard choices. Yrandmother remembers the Sed World War and the sacrifices that had to be made. This is no different.” Sir Arthur soled her.

  “Miss McLaughlin knows she has betrayed us, and also knows mere words and apologies are not suffit.” Mrs Mary-Jane pointed out, her hands oaff white with tension. “As I said before, I am still not sure if I want to take up this burden again. My husband and children worry so, but if I don’t…”

  “A burden id down is ohers have to carry.” Sir Arthur finished.

  “Well, I don’t mind carrying it, as I don’t do it alone.” I promised. “But if you are patible with a future Favour, or be made so, then I aid you, if you decide you do want to.”

  “I said he’d say that.” David ughed, giving me a fist bump. “In that case, the Princess has an offer to make you.”

  “I do.” Eleanor said, expression grave. “With your skills, I believe you extract the abilities from Donovan, Sarah and Mary Stuart, and make use of them ier ways then merely strengthening us.” She raised her hands, and water danced, showing off the ability to use elemental water I had taught her. “Instead, we would tio learn in other ways. And… you put their gifts to use. Though I would ask that you sider Mary-Jane, sidering your kio Aditi, then we have no pints if you take it for yourself. I trust you.” She said, her blue eyes staring into mine resolutely. “I respect you too. I don’t agree with everything you do…” She cast her gnce back towards where Adamant and the Fae were feasting. “…but I believe you will not it evil deeds, or betray those who trust you. We will pull the thorns and be ready.” She reached out a hand, and I took it. “If your premonitions are right and danger is ing, we will help one another.”

  “Fine.” I grinned, shaking her hand, the gau cool on my palm. “But holy, I’m not fident I extract or use the Linked Favours. But we take a look.”

  “Great. Then the soohe better.” Once her mind was made up, Eleanor buried her misgivings and grief, and was all business. “By the way, grandmother would be happy to see you again. There’s much to discuss about the New Year Honours.” As we chatted, ierial I advised Christina I would have to leave for the day, as I’d need my Material body in London. This shouldn’t take long, I hope. I think Donovan was a lightning-aspected Favour. I wonder which God was foolish enough to bless him. He gives Kondou Kazuo a run for his money in being scum…