?Adanara??

  A familiar voice came from the night. Kora quickly put out the fire. The church went dark. Moonlight illuminated the area through the collapsed roof and torn entrance, giving the central nave and its time-worn bench an ethereal look, amplified by the dust floating among pale rays. The sound of several footsteps announced the presence of multiple people. The shaman, still alert, held her spear.

  ?Is it them??, Nila whispered. ?The T-Tega Urok??

  Adanara stood up. Kora flinched at the noise she caused.

  ?Bugra??, the witch replied.

  ?Are you in there??

  Bugra and his men stopped before the church but did not dare enter. Nene sighed and sat up. She helped Nila throwing a few twigs they had picked up earlier next to the still-burning embers. Understanding that there was no danger, Kora began to rekindle the flame.

  ?It’s safe?, Adanara shouted. ?You can come in?

  When the faint light of the fire spread through the church again, a massive head, covered with a pyramidal helmet, peeked out from the entrance, uncertain, fearful. Bugra took a cautious step inside the building and observed the fresco on the ceiling.

  ?What is this place??

  With a gesture, he invited his companions to follow him. There were three other men with him, covered in fur and metal plates, frightened by the church and its decoration. Seeing familiar faces in that hostile place was a huge relief. Nene had spent the entire day on edge, feeling the burden of keeping others safe. Having allies meant she could relax for a moment.

  ?What are you doing here??, Adanara asked.

  ?We were looking for you. They told us that you left on your own, but never returned?

  ?Yes, well... things happened...?

  The big man approached the fire. He sat on the ground next to Kora, and his companions did the same. One by one they took off their helmets, revealing their long hair, perhaps a tradition of their people. One of the hunters pulled a waterskin from his waist, took a sip, and passed it to the person next to him.

  ?I'm happy you're safe?, the leader of the nomads said. ?We feared the worst. Why did you go alone??

  Nene and Kora exchanged a glance. Was it wise to share with the nomads their motifs? Was it better to let them know what they had discovered or to risk betraying their trust?

  ?We had a lead?, Adanara explained. ?We are on the witch's trail. And you??

  ?We have raked the entire forest?, a hunter said. ?There is no trace of beasts?

  ?Exactly?, Bugra interjected. ?They have disappeared. Usually, coming here means fighting with those monsters at every step, but... something has changed?

  ?Tell us about your lead. Where is the witch??

  ?We're not sure yet?, Nila said. ?We're working on it?

  ?Let us escort you, then. Even if we didn't meet any beasts, it's better to travel in a group, in any case?

  The waterskin, passing from hand to hand, finally reached Nene. She grabbed it without thinking about it, but the stench of alcohol made her give up. She handed it to Nila, who, instead, drank and smiled, before sharing it with her sister.

  ?I think that's a good idea?, Kora commented.

  ?We could leave at dawn?

  ?O-okay, but... are you sure there aren't any monsters??

  ?Better not to let our guard down?, Bugra advised. ?But, apparently, no. We scouted the forest step by step, and found no trace of them?

  ?Not to criticise?, Nene interjected. ?But if you checked the forest so thoroughly, why did you only find us now? Also, how haven’t you located the witch's lair??

  The nomads exchanged a few amused glances. Some of them burst out laughing. Bugra stood up and gave Nene a vigorous pat on the shoulder, which nearly knocked her to the ground.

  ?You hunters of the Church think as we do, I see?, the man said, bumping a fist on his chest.

  ?Would that be... a compliment??

  The waterskin reached Bugra, who raised it, addressing Nene, a toast, and took a long sip.

  ?We have not discovered where the witch is, which makes me think that she is hiding with her magic. This is why we came to look for you. As for this place…?

  ?Were you afraid of it??, Adanara teased him.

  ?We thought it was cursed! Some time ago, a group ventured down here. Only half of them returned and told of a horrible beast, more fearsome than the others?

  ?We have…?, Nene stammered.

  ?The b-beast is gone?, Nila intervened, taking her by hand.

  The nomads stared at Nene in dismay for a moment, then cheered. She received more heavy pats until she couldn’t sense an arm anymore. Nonetheless, feeling appreciated for her capabilities as an Inquisitor and being treated as a companion, made her embarrassed and joyful at the same time. She looked down hoping to hide her face blushing. Kora received the smelly waterskin. She sniffed the top of it and frowned.

  ?This infusion smells of decay?

  ?Haha!?, a hunter laughed. ?“Infusion”, she says! Haha!?

  Others laughed, but Kora didn't. She looked around, doubtful, and tried to peek into the waterskin by closing one eye.

  ?Do humans like to drink putrid water??, she asked in all seriousness.

  ?It’s not putrid water, nor an infusion?, Bugra explained. ?It’s a medicine for the soul?

  ?A medicine??, she repeated. ?Medicines often taste bad?

  ?Exactly. Don't you feel exhausted after a day's walk? Try the medicine, you’ll feel better?

  Kora hesitated a little but finally took a tiny sip. Her eyes widened as she began to cough, amidst the laughter of the Tega Urok.

  ?Your... medicine... tastes like poison!?, she protested.

  ?Don’t be afraid, Tuatha, it’s a harmless poison?, Bugra insisted.

  Nene watched the scene feeling distant. The arrival of the Tega Urok had briefly lifted her spirits, but the fresco she glimpsed behind them, on the church ceiling, constantly reminded her that there was much more at stake. She had to focus on the present, on the dangers of the forest, the threat of the witch, if she wanted to survive, but it was extremely difficult. She kept thinking about the Emissary, the Evil One and Kora's revelation. She wanted to go back immediately to Kumhar and face Jiriel, ask her for explanations, and then repent and pray for her forgiveness for having doubted her.

  Having established that it was better to rest and resume their searches in the sunlight, everyone found a spot to sleep, some on the benches, some by the fire. Bugra set guard shifts and refused to let her participate, claiming that he and his warriors were more than accustomed to that kind of fatigue. Nene had to rest and come up with something if she wanted to succeed where the Tega Urok had failed. If the witch was concealing herself with magic, her Inquisitor sensibilities were their only hope of finding her.

  It was a lazy morning at the farm. Nene dragged herself down the stairs to the bottom floor. She rubbed her bleary eyes. The room was filled with warmth from the fireplace and the scent of boiled carrots. The moist air of the steam coming from the cauldron stuck to her face. She saw Nila knelt in front of the fire, stirring the food.

  ?Good morning?, she mumbled sleepily.

  Nila turned and smiled at her. With a hand, she invited her to come close. Nene waddled awkwardly in her direction, surprised to see her awake so early.

  ?Our first vegetables!?, Nila said enthusiastically. ?Are you hungry??

  ?Yes. How long have you been up??

  ?I couldn't sleep knowing that the carrots were ready to harvest!?

  Nene frowned. Her still-clouded mind couldn't explain how she had managed to collect all those carrots by herself. The heat in the room was becoming unbearable, too intense to be outputted from a simple pot. She began to sweat.

  ?Oh, there's one more thing...?

  ?What??

  Nila gave her a teasing grin. Whatever game she was playing, Nene had been chosen as the victim. Her gaze immediately made her tense up and wonder what she had done wrong.

  ?The mill wheel... has collapsed?

  ?Really? I'm... sorry...?

  She sat next to Nila, heartbroken. She had taken care of the wheel, with a little, tiny help from Jiriel, so she took the news as a personal failure. Nila wasn't one to let it weigh on her, but she certainly wasn't happy with the situation.

  ?I'll try to fix it?, she said.

  Nila nodded. She dropped the ladle into the pot and brought her face close. Her breath doubled down with the humid air, so Nene felt asphyxiating. Without warning, with a sudden and unexpected move, Nila grabbed one of her arms first, then the other.

  ?What? What are you doing??, Nene stammered.

  ?You broke the wheel?, Nila repeated.

  ?I... I said I'm sorry...?

  Nila's behaviour was bizarre and unusual. While trying to figure out if she was playing with her like she used to do with her sister, Nene forgot to keep her guard up and was caught unprepared. Strong of her superior bulk, Nila pushed her violently to the ground. She hit her back against the floor, groaned and tried to squirm.

  ?Hey! Stop it! What's wrong with you?!?

  ?The wheel?, she chanted. ?The wheel. The wheel?

  ?You’re hurting me!?

  Nila slapped a hand on her face and pressed hard. Nene tried to react but her body couldn’t move. She felt paralyzed. Had she been poisoned in some way? The heat was unbearable, and the pressure of Nila's weight was suffocating her. Nene gathered what little strength she had left and tried to scream. No sound left her mouth.

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  She opened her eyes.

  The ceiling was not that of the farm. She recognized it just as quickly: the ruined church, in the woods where the moor witch was hiding. The source of her absurd dream was upon her. Nila's dark blonde locks filled her vision. She felt hot and was drenched in sweat. Nila's weight compressed her chest, her deep breathing was annoyingly blowing in her face. Her soft-featured face was contorted into an unseemly grimace. She was sleeping soundly, lying on top of her. Nene craved fresh air immediately but didn't want to wake her for any reason. She looked around and saw the Tega Urok, scattered around their makeshift camp, still asleep. Instead, Adanara and Kora were missing. Maybe they had relieved the nomads of the guard duty, but unfortunately, they were nowhere to be seen. Her only hope of receiving assistance thus vanished.

  Nila muttered something incomprehensible and crawled further onto Nene. Her sweet weight gave Nene the final blow. She blew out her last breath of air and was then forced to act. Clinging with one hand on the ground, she attempted to drag herself to the side. Nila's fingers wrapped around her clothes. She first had to avoid her grip before proceeding with her escape plan. When, finally, after a long time and very delicate manoeuvres, she was free, she lay Nila on the blanket, who didn't even flinch. She smiled at how vulnerable Nila looked in that state, a look that would have fooled anyone about her true personality. Nene stood up and stretched. She breathed the fresh morning air with satisfaction and enjoyed her newfound freedom for a few moments. She took a step towards the entrance, but something grabbed her ankle. She groaned in fright and almost lost her balance.

  ?Grr…?, Nila grumbled. ?Come back?

  ?Are you awake??, she asked. ?You scared me!?

  Nila raised her head lazily and looked around with narrowed eyes. She yawned deeply but didn't let go of her.

  ?Where are you going??

  ?I need some air. I won’t go far?

  ?I'm coming too...?

  ?Rest a little longer, if you want to?

  Nila nodded, then put her head back on the ground and closed her eyes. She finally let go of Nene's leg, who took the chance to leave. She stepped over Bugra, who had fallen asleep near the ashes of the hearth and left the church.

  Among the mounds of the cemetery, Nene saw the tip of Adanara's hat peeking out. She walked in her direction and found her sitting next to Kora, both facing the rising sun, meditating. One of Kora's ears rotated towards her.

  ?Can I??, she asked.

  Adanara turned to her. Kora grabbed her shoulder and forced her to her original position, much less aggressively than when she had been her teacher, but conveying the same authority.

  ?Praising the sun drives darkness out of the mind?, Kora explained.

  She rose very slowly. Adanara imitated her. Just as slowly, they raised their arms vertically, then opened them wide. They gradually brought their hands to their sides, then exhaled loudly.

  ?How do you feel??, the shaman asked.

  ?Same as before?, Adanara replied. ?Are you sure it works??

  ?You little…! Uff… You can't hope to master generations of wisdom in one day?

  ?If you say so. You've lived through many generations…?

  Kora purposely ignored her. She approached a mound and looked at Nene, drawing her attention to that pile of stones. The earth at the base had been recently moved, the pile was tidier than the others. Towering on its top was the stone with the cross engraved on it that they had found the day before.

  ?Did you bury him here??, she concluded.

  The shaman nodded. She picked up a handful of dirt and poured it on the grave.

  ?The Flow welcomes you?, she whispered. ?The earth claims back what it gives. The earth gives back what it claims?

  Nene heard Nila’s footsteps. She came lolling, wrapped in her blanket. She joined the others in front of the tomb. She smiled at Nene and put an arm around her shoulders, thus wrapping her up in the covers as well.

  ?So??, Adanara said. ?How do we find the witch??

  ?Bugra says they searched everywhere?, Kora reasoned. ?But they avoided this place fearing a curse. Maybe there are other spots they missed?

  ?Good idea. We should ask him?

  Kora nodded and walked towards the church. They had to move as soon as possible, so that was the only time to pray to God in the name of the damned Nene had purged. She rested a hand on the mound. Nila stood behind her and wrapped her arms and the blanket tighter around her.

  ?I think he would say “thank you”?, she whispered in her ear.

  ?Nila…?

  ?What is it??

  ?I should… do the thing…?

  Nila rested her chin on her shoulder and rubbed her cheek against hers. The same warmth that had made her feel clammy that morning comforted her.

  ?The thing??, she asked, perplexed.

  ?Do you remember... the day we met??

  Nila held her tighter. The memory of the cilice rite was horrendous for both, but the Church was clear about the purging procedures: an Inquisitor had to make amends for their sin, after taking someone’s life, albeit damned.

  ?Harming yourself won't make him feel better?, Nila protested.

  ?What if… God doesn't forgive my sin, then??

  ?Nene, G-God knows everything, am I right??

  ?God is infinitely wise and omniscient?, she confirmed.

  ?So... It knows very well what y-your intentions were. It knows you didn't… you didn't do it for no reason. You don't have to prove anything to It?

  Nene smiled. In the past, she would have been indignant at such words, but she had changed, and she felt comforted. She glanced at Adanara, who was pretending not to look, as always, when she and Nila were exchanging hugs. Compared to her past antics, it was a good compromise, and perhaps a sign that she was gradually overcoming her jealousy of her sister.

  ?Ada?, Nila called. ?How are you feeling??

  ?Awful. Kora's meditation is useless?

  ?Let's eat something, come on?

  ?I'll join you later. First... I have to talk to Nene. Alone?

  Adanara's statement left both of them surprised. Nila didn't let go of Nene, who looked at the witch perplexed.

  ?We can talk here and now?, she replied.

  ?No, we…?, Adanara sighed. ?It's no secret. Nila, I will explain later, but... please...?

  Only then did Nila turn away from Nene. She put the blanket over her sister's shoulders and smiled at her.

  ?Hurry up. It's cold. The others will want to leave as soon as possible?

  Adanara nodded as she snuggled into the blanket. Nila walked back towards the church, thus leaving them alone as requested. Adanara's unusual attitude didn’t bode well. A lifetime of prejudice made Nene wonder what she and Kora had plotted. The witch's silence as she waited until her sister was completely gone only increased the tension, which burst like a bubble when she finally spoke.

  ?What do you think??, Adanara asked. ?About Jiriel?

  Nene looked at her, puzzled. Adanara didn’t seem malicious or have ulterior motives. Was she being unnecessarily suspicious of a friend?

  ?I think… Kora is wrong?, she admitted.

  ?Uh, I thought so. You see, I asked her to repeat what she heard, We argued about it all morning… What I'm trying to say is that I believe her?

  ?Wait... Really?! Do you think the Emissary is the Evil One?!?

  ?What? No! That... was just a…?

  ?She saw the good in you. She made me see it. She saved your life!?

  ?Calm down, let me finish. Relax?

  Adanara's tone, usually condescending or biting, was different. Her manner exuded uncertainty and empathy, and she even moved closer, as if not to be heard by non-existent listeners.

  ?I thought maybe it's not as bad as we think?

  ?What do you mean??

  ?Maybe Kora is right. Perhaps Jiriel has some connection to the Evil One. You noticed it too, right? She always spoke of it as if it wasn't a big deal. At first, I thought it was because it isn't dangerous for her directly, but... now that I know her better, I don't think Jiriel is so stupid to the point of not understanding why we fear the Evil One?

  Nene sighed. She was getting migraines, but part of her couldn't help but agree. The Emissary undoubtedly had an unusual perspective on the Evil One, and Kora's tale sounded plausible in some way.

  ?I don't know...?, she muttered exasperatedly.

  ?I mean, even if they were siblings, whatever that means, maybe it's not a bad thing. Maybe that's why Jiriel can counter it, right? We don't know much about how those things work. In fact, we know nothing?

  ?Even the Church seems to know nothing about it...?

  Seeing her agree with her, Adanara’s mood brightened, as if a burden had been lifted from her. Her gaze sparkled with curiosity. She reached for Nene and the blanket almost fell off her.

  ?Exactly! They didn't even know Jiriel existed. There is a second angel, and the Church knows nothing about it! It could all be very different from how we have been taught?

  The idea that the Emissary was somehow connected to the Evil One was horrifying, yet Nene, following Adanara's reasoning, felt a certain relief. Jumping to negative conclusions about Jiriel, based on information they didn't know how to interpret, was naive and pointless. She wasn't going to give up seeing it through, but it could have been less serious than she had thought.

  ?You're right. For now, I will suspend judgment until I can ask her directly?

  ?Good idea?, the witch agreed. ?I'm worried too, but... let's not overthink it?

  ?We have more pressing matter at hand?

  Nene smiled at her companion. Her heart felt much lighter, her muscles relaxed a little. Adanara's presence having that effect on her was completely new, a kind of new that she was glad to experience.

  ?Tell me... why didn't you want Nila to hear us??

  Adanara pulled the blanket back over her shoulders and broke eye contact. Trying to hide her discomfort, she went back to her rough behaviour and sulked.

  ?You were there with me when Kora freaked out. It's harder for the two of us to trust her...?

  ?I don't get it...?

  ?I wanted... to make sure you were on my side before talking to her. Nila... sometimes she scares me?

  ?She scares you??, Nene laughed.

  ?Shut up! She has always been like this. She... She’s unstoppable, you get me??

  ?The way you let her push you around, you mean??

  Nene's laughter was not appreciated. Adanara pushed her and sulked even more. Realising she had overdone it, Nene regained her composure and nodded towards the church.

  ?Sorry, sorry, I'll quit it. Shall we go back to the others? If you prefer, I can talk to Nila in your stead?

  ?No shot! I'll do it!?, the witch blurted out. ?She’s my sister?

  Sadly, Adanara was far from overcoming her jealousy. When they went back to the rest of the group, they found them all awake and eating before moving on. Kora, in particular, despite her hostile attitude towards human cooking, was allowing Nila to spoil her with the supplies she had brought. She seemed to have developed an appreciation for bread specifically.

  ?Inquisitor?, Bugra said as he saw her enter.

  He and his men were sitting on the counters, together with Nila and Kora. For a moment, they all looked relaxed, distracted by food and chatter. That serene atmosphere was instantly spoiled when Bugra, after taking a sip from a waterskin, spilling a good part of the contents on his clothes, kept on speaking.

  ?Tuatha says you will be our hound?

  ?Yes?, she replied. ?If we can get close enough to the witch, I should be able to track her down?

  ?How much would be “enough”??

  ?Unfortunately, I don't know for sure?

  The man nodded. Nila, sitting between two hunters, whose size made her appear small and fragile in comparison, raised a hand to speak.

  ?A-are there any places you haven't checked yet, like this c-church??

  ?There is a spot?, replied the older hunter, with greying hair and beard. ?The monolith. They say that anyone who ventures there falls victim to hallucinations?

  ?What was that, Simig??

  ?Has the old man lost it??, asked another hunter.

  ?Idiots! It's the truth! A long time ago, a boy who ventured there scratched himself to death! A tragedy... that's why no one goes near that place. He was about your age, you moron!?

  ?We have been to the monolith?, Kora said. ?The witch is not there. Right, Nene??

  ?Yes. I haven’t felt her?

  ?Have you been to the monolith?!?, the elderly hunter asked, incredulous. ?But... the demon that lives there doesn't allow anyone to get close!?

  ?She’s not a demon, she is the protector of my people?, the shaman explained. ?Perhaps she doesn't allow your kind, even though I can’t see why?

  ?Everyone loves the Tega Urok!?, said a man with long, shaggy blonde hair, smiling. ?Does your demon know anything about the witch??

  ?No?, she lied.

  ?There is another one?, Bugra intervened. ?The pond north of here?

  His companions immediately fell silent. The blond one pretended to be busy cutting some bread with a knife, while the other two kept eating. Adanara, apparently unaware, or perhaps due to her lack of tact, after having pillaged some bread from her sister, stood in front of the rest of the group.

  ?Let's hear it. What's so cursed about this pond??

  ?We can't go there?, the old hunter muttered.

  Nene also received some bread from Nila, who caressed her hand before letting her go with her breakfast. Her gesture of affection, while in front of all those people, for some reason embarrassed her. She tried to disguise it by clearing her throat, but it ended up sounding shriller than she intended.

  ?Why can't we??, she asked.

  ?That lake... It steals your soul!?

  ?Oh come on. There is no such a…?

  The older Tega Urok sobbed softly, interrupting Adanara. Bugra rested a hand on his shoulder, while the man cried silently.

  ?The lake is taboo?, Bugra explained, sighing. ?I've never been there. The elders always told us not to come close. I've suspected it could be the witch's hideout, but... If so, we'll have to find another way?

  The old man regained his composure and stood up. His eyes were red from crying, his pupils dilated with fear and his mouth paralyzed in an expression of dismay.

  ?They have all turned into beasts! Anyone who reflects in the lake loses their soul and becomes a beast. They will serve the witch forever, condemned to devour their own!?

  Nila stepped in front of the man and gently grabbed him by the shoulders. He stared at her in shock, but allowed himself to be led to the bench, where he sat down again. Another hunter took him by the arm. He stared at the floor, lost in God knows what horrible memories.

  ?I'm… sorry…?, Adanara muttered.

  ?I've never heard such a story?, Nene observed. ?But, with my protection, maybe we can get closer?

  ?Can you protect us from the lake's curse?!?, Bugra asked.

  ?I'm not sure, but if it's the work of the Evil One, it shouldn't have any effect on me. If beasts originate in that place, it's probably connected to the witch, right??

  The man nodded reluctantly. He had come to the same conclusion, but the risk was enormous. Nene, during her training, had been constantly reassured about the effectiveness of the Archangel's protection, yet she had learned that the Church was unreliable at best about the world and the Evil One. Was she about to end up like the priest?