The morning light coming from the Vesper was pale and unnatural. Maria was an early riser and had snatched the others from sleep by doing her household chores. The little girl, forced to take care of herself from a young age, was incredibly habitual. Bugra almost had to take by force the axe from her hand to convince her to let him take care of cutting some firewood. While the rest of the group was busy gathering their things and unpacking the tent they had set up the previous night, Maria buzzed among them pestering them with questions about the most disparate topics. Seeing her behave like a normal child was funny, although Adanara had to get creative to avoid telling her what she had read in her father's diary.

  Finally, they convinced her to accompany them to Arianna's presence. Even though Maria was forbidden to go, she was eager to see her again. The little girl prepared a bundle containing edible roots and dried fruit. She closed the rickety door of her home and, holding the squirrel Alfonso in her arms, she grouped with the rest of them. Ifeo and Guaz followed them at a distance, the crow flying from branch to branch, the fawn staying ahead of them like a sentry of some sort, as they set out into the woods towards the bottom of the valley.

  Maria in particular was fascinated by Kora’s favourite fur cloak. The shaman, initially defensive, almost as if she feared that the little girl wanted to steal it from her, softened when she saw her laugh just by touching it.

  ?Mine father once scolded me since I tried to befriend a bear?, she said. ?He quoth “bears art not crows, they art dangerous”. Remember, Guaz??

  The crow swung down from a branch and landed on her shoulder. It looked at her with glassy eyes, and she laughed.

  ?How long have you had pets as friends??, Nene asked.

  ?Allow me to think… Guaz hath been by mine side as long as I remember. Ifeo, on the other hand, he once accompanied mine mother when she still visited us, yet then one day he came alone?, she added in a low tone. ?I believe he hath been relieved of his offices, yet he refuses to talk about it?

  ?He must have done something real bad?, Adanara indulged her.

  ?Shh! He might hark ye! Thou will hurt his pride?

  The fawn, which was walking a few metres ahead of them all, leading the way, stopped and was staring at them. Its deep eyes, completely black and expressionless, concealed some mystery to everyone except Maria.

  ?'tis hither. Prithee, wait for me an instant?

  The girl pointed to an old birch tree, with a very wide trunk. She bent down before it and released the squirrel she was carrying.

  ?Beware, good sir. I may not be around to help ye next time?

  The rodent took a few steps towards the plant, then it turned to Maria. Finally, it made up its mind and quickly climbed up the trunk. It settled on the first branch that came across its path and sat there, observing them.

  ?Does he live here??, Bugra asked, amused.

  ?Indeed, mysire Alfonso is a truly prominent figure. It would be unforgivable if something bad befell him?

  ?Oh? How so??

  ?He is in charge of his household’s supplies. His job is to ration them so that every one hath enough to eat?

  ?Did he tell you??

  ?Obviously. It would be most inappropriate for me to bid, wouldn’t it??

  ?I think what he meant...?, Nila intervened. ?Maria, can you really "talk" to Alfonso??

  ?Oh, prithee forgive me?, she giggled. ?I hath not received visitors in a long time, I almost do forget! Mine father also quoth it, that mine is a unique gift?

  That said, the little girl set off again as if nothing peculiar had happened. Guaz croaked and she responded with a playful grin. The others, incredulous, stood admiring her, until she realised that she was not being followed. She turned around.

  ?Have thou haply changed thy mind??, she asked.

  ?Wait! Just wait a minute?, Adanara said. ?Are you serious? Do you understand what the crow says??

  ?Indeed, and he understands me in return. Guaz, would ye grant our guests a demonstration??

  Yet another croak made Maria's story even more believable. The crow glided to the ground and walked in circles for a bit, then turned back towards its master.

  ?So...?, said Maria, thoughtfully. ?We play a game. Bring me something... Black!?

  The crow took flight, flapping its wings furiously. It landed in front of Nene, who stiffened. That little being made her nervous, and Maria's innocent demonstration did nothing but fuel her fears, reminding her of tales of witches and their familiars.

  ?Mydame, prithee, extend thy arm so that he can climb onto it?

  ?What?!?

  ?He won't cause ye any harm, I warrant?

  Nene complied, hesitantly. Guaz croaked with satisfaction and flew onto it. It wrapped its hooked paws around her forearm. She felt its sharp claws through her clothes and flinched, even though the animal was harmless. Its potentially painful grip was gentle, its movements slow and calculated. It craned its neck towards her hair and grabbed a strand of it with its beak. She froze for no reason and saw Nila watching her in amusement. Maria applauded.

  ?Well done Guaz! Now... may ye point out mydame Adanara among our guests??

  The crow immediately let go and flew to the feet of the witch, who yelped and jumped backwards. Bugra burst out laughing and joined Maria's applause, while Guaz croaked with satisfaction, spinning around, celebrating. In the distance, the fawn bellowed loudly, its voice deeper than usual, and Maria got scared.

  ?Forgive us, Ifeo. We should’st hie or he might get impatient?

  Guaz immediately returned to the little girl's shoulder. Bugra motioned for the others to continue but Nene remained behind for a moment, dismayed. She only started walking again when Nila called her.

  ?Are you feeling alright??, she asked.

  ?Yes, but… What…?

  ?Unbelievable, uh??

  She sighed and kept her paranoia to herself. In the past, she had repeatedly misjudged other people based on concepts she had learned from the Church, which later proved to be unfounded. As much as the scholars would have insisted that Maria's abilities were a clear sign of sorcery, she was ultimately just a prodigious child, which wasn't all that surprising given her lineage.

  They continued through the lush forest, much more welcoming and pleasant than the one on the surface. It teemed with life and sounds. Geiserich's journal mentioned the Evil One's benevolent gifts. Nene would never have called such something born from its blasphemous power, but she could see that man's point, admiring such beauty. The grass and birch forest smelled fresh, the temperature was ideal and the water in the streams shone clear. The pale light of the Vesper tinged everything with slightly unusual colours. Bleatings in the distance signalled the presence of the wild herds that they had seen from the hill. Everything looked beautiful and peaceful.

  Maria showed them which plants were edible, and regretfully remembered how the goats categorically refused to give her their milk, even when asked nicely and offered food in exchange. The idea that such tame animals could, deep down, hide the personalities the little girl was describing was incredible, to the point that Maria herself refused to repeat some of their insults. After a few hours of walking in that lush valley, they stopped to refresh themselves. Maria discussed at length with Ifeo, the actual guide. For some reason, the fawn seemed to be in a hurry. Maria apologised several times for her pet’s behaviour, justifying it by saying that it was anxious to see Arianna again, even more than she was.

  Finally, they reached a rocky ridge, which rose for a few metres, forming a barrier with a sharp edge similar to a crater. The forest suddenly thinned out and gave way to a flowering prairie, a soft colourful bed that surrounded that threatening natural barrier. Ifeo led the group to a depression in the wall. The rough path led up to a rocky hill. They climbed over the crumbling terrain until they were over the sharp crest. Yet another miracle loomed before their eyes, an apparent prodigy of nature in that underground cave full of wonder.

  The crater was surrounded by high, steep rock ridges, impossible to climb. The ground was low and formed a circular cavity, a natural fortress protected on all sides. The dark rocky vault shone intensely thanks to the reflected light of the Vesper, which floated suspended above the crater itself. In the centre of it stood an enormous ceratonia tree. The massive trunk was topped by a thick and luxuriant foliage. All around it was a field of carmine-coloured rafflesia, rather rare parasitic plants, which Nene had seen depicted several times in the bestiaries of the Church. Although they were completely harmless plants, they had the reputation of being harbingers of misfortune, often associated with places that hid curses or other dangers.

  The passage to which Ifeo had led them served as an entrance, a gate to the Saint's fortress. From there, the path continued with a steep descent and led directly to the rafflesia field. Ifeo bellowed and pawed excitedly. It stood in front of Maria as if to prevent her from going forward.

  ?Is that so??, she whimpered.

  The fawn stamped on the ground and wagged its tail. Maria sighed, unhappy. She tried not to show it too much, but she was noticeably disappointed.

  ?What's going on??. Nene asked.

  ?Ifeo orders that I wait hither. After all, I promised it to mine father?, the little girl replied, with a trembling voice. ?Inquisitor, if I may bid... Humbly pay my respects to Mother on mine behalf?

  ?Why can't you come with us??

  ?She… She doth not would to meet me. I fear... I be a disappointment to her. I be not versed in the ways of miracles as she doth?

  ?No mother would hate her child for something like that?, Kora said.

  ?Prithee, Inquisitor!?

  ?Okay, sure?, she replied. ?Don't worry, Maria, I'll tell her?

  The little girl smiled through her tears. She caressed the fawn who bowed to her. Then, it sprinted down the slope. It galloped at full speed towards the ceratonia tree, without ever looking back.

  ?Ifeo shall announce ye. Thou should’st hie. Mine mother's attendants do not like visitors who indulge?

  ?Shall we go??, Adanara urged the others.

  ?Let's keep our eyes open?, Bugra suggested. ?Inquisitor, I trust you to assess the danger?

  ?Yes. I will do my best?

  ?I shall wait hither?, Maria said. ?Come back anon! In the meantime, I shall regard what to cook for dinner. Thou art staying for dinner, I hope??

  After reassuring the girl, the group abandoned her on the ridge. Her tiny figure and that of her pet crow grew further and further away as they descended towards the rafflesia field.

  ?Do you smell it too??, Adanara complained. ?This stench…?

  ?It's those flowers?, Nene explained. ?They stink of death. They are harbingers of misfortune?

  ?They look like monstrous mouths?

  ?Should we press on??, Bugra asked.

  ?W-we've come this far?, Nila said. ?Aren’t you curious to meet Saint Arianna??

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  ?The witch?, the nomad corrected her. ?Finally?

  ?What should we expect??, Kora asked. ?Perhaps we should attack first?

  Ifeo galloped back. Its paws barely moved the massive petals of the hideous flowers, beneath which extended a dense network of tendrils and stringy branches. The fawn stopped right in front of Bugra, at the head of the group.

  ?What do you want? I don't speak deer, you know??

  The animal made a cry-like sound. Then it walked in front of Nila.

  ?W-what is it??

  It ignored her too, but finally walked towards Nene. It sniffed her insistently, looked at her carefully, then wiggled its bottom enthusiastically. It positioned itself behind her, and with a gentle push of its head, it led her forward.

  ?Hey! What are you doing??, she protested.

  ?The witch?, Bugra realised, shocked. ?She wants you?

  ?What, have you learned to “speak deer” all of a sudden?? Adanara teased him.

  Ifeo pounded the ground, furious. It brushed Nene's arm and then trotted towards the tree. The group was at the edge of the rafflesia field. The stench was unbearable, what to do was uncertain.

  ?You aren’t going there alone?, Nila said. ?Let's stay together?

  ?I agree?

  The fawn started kicking again. Suddenly, however, it raised its head and ears, as if it had sensed something. Kora did the same.

  A breath, a sigh, in an otherwise windless place, blew from the ridge towards the tree, alleviating the stench of the horrible flowers that covered the surroundings. The Vesper, overlooking their heads, was less bright, although it was too early for nightfall. The air became cool and humid.

  "You alone", the wind whispered.

  ?What was that?!?, Adanara yelled.

  ?The nameless??, Kora surmised.

  ?No, I don't think so. The Evil One doesn't usually speak... not like that, it just gets in your head?

  "You alone", the whisper repeated.

  ?Me??, Nene asked.

  A gust of wind in the opposite direction overwhelmed them with the putrid aroma from the crater. Bugra coughed in disgust and drew his sword.

  ?Show yourself, witch!?, he shouted.

  ?Wait, calm down?, Nene intervened. ?Let's do as she says?

  ?Are you out of your mind?!?, Adanara said.

  ?Calm down, everyone. Listen: the Evil One led me here so that I could put an end to the witch's pain. Maybe… What if it's the truth??

  ?Of all people, YOU suddenly trust the Evil One?!?

  Nene looked at the gnarled tree in the centre of that red, putrid sea. Ifeo had taken a few steps forward but was waiting for her, staring at her. Saint Arianna was calling her, it was her turn to answer. The possibility that it was a deception, a trap, was very high. Even though she was well aware of it, she couldn't shake the impression that there was more to the matter than what appeared. Furthermore, what if the Saint desired salvation at her hands, according to the principles of the Archangel? Before being exiled, Arianna had grown up in the Church, like all its members. She could not have completely forgotten the teachings she had received, not even after one hundred years of heresy.

  ?Wait here for me?

  ?Not again!?, Nila protested. ?N-not this time?

  ?I think she's calling me for a reason?, she explained, holding up the silver dagger.

  ?Do you want to kill her??, Bugra asked.

  ?Not really. But I will purge her if so she desires?

  ?What makes you think she wants to be killed??, Adanara asked.

  ?Witch or not, she still is a paragon of the Church. The soul is the most precious thing we have, its salvation is the most important task in life. This is what we are taught?, she sighed. ?I know you don't approve, but try to understand that it's her choice to make?

  ?You speak as if it was already settled?

  ?No, of course not! That's why I want to talk to her. And I think she wants it too?

  ?Before you kill her?, Kora interjected. ?Ask her about Tera?

  She nodded. She turned to Nila and held her hand.

  ?Sorry?, she whispered. ?But I think it's the right thing to do. Please?

  Nila looked down and rubbed her forehead with her free hand. Her shoulders were shaking. She was visibly furious, and worried.

  ?Go?, she said through gritted teeth. ?B-be careful?

  She exchanged a look with her companions, one by one. None of them seemed convinced, yet they didn't object. She was lucky to have friends who had so much faith in her, to the point of overcoming their fears, worries, and even desires, just to give her the benefit of the doubt.

  ?So you want to keep the Saint all to yourself?, Adanara joked.

  ?What about my glory, Inquisitor? I was supposed to defeat the witch after an epic and deadly battle! I will become the laughingstock of all Tega Urok!?

  He smiled. Nene felt his expectations, heavy as a mountain. She was on the verge of wetting the bed, although in truth she felt a little excited at the idea of ??meeting a legendary figure of the Church.

  ?We promised Maria to have dinner with her?, she said, her voice trembling.

  She looked at Nila, who was very angry. Her sister's attempt to lighten the situation, however, managed to win her over. She smiled bitterly and folded her arms.

  ?N-no honey for you?, she reproached.

  Nene smiled back. She shared her fears, and it broke her heart to subject her to that again. She promised herself that she would do everything in her power to not make her worry like that ever again in the future. But was it even possible for an Inquisitor to do so? Before her feelings took over, she waved goodbye and set off after Ifeo. She took an uncertain step into the network of vines and looked in horror at a rafflesia flower nearby. It was enormous, with thick petals that looked like flesh rather than a plant. In the centre of the corolla were small spurs that reminded her of sharp teeth. The putrid stench attracted flies and other insects. It was no wonder that they had a sinister reputation. She tried her best keep her distance, if only out of pity for her nose. She struggled forward, stumbling with every step. Ifeo led her slowly. The stench became more and more intense as she got closer to the tree. It was a colossal plant, with a trunk about ten metres wide and five times as tall. The gnarled trunk looked truly ancient. At its feet, the ground was increasingly uneven. Nene's boots constantly got stuck in the vines. In contrast, the fawn moved gracefully, but stopped every few steps to wait for her.

  Ifeo reached the foot of the tree first. Nene tried to keep up with it, but the rafflesias were much thicker down there, and, trying to avoid touching them, she had to take alternative routes several times. Before the last few metres, she turned around. In the distance, she saw her companions peering at her, about halfway between her and the ridge from which they had entered. Up there, on top of a trail of rocks that had collapsed who knows when, she could barely make out the small figure of Maria.

  A windy sigh blew towards the tree. She started moving again. Ifeo was waiting for her in front of a cavity in the trunk, a dark crack where small forest animals usually take refuge. Looking at it, she felt a lump in her throat. The Archangel's protection began to react. The Evil One lived there, and she was walking straight towards it.

  There was a girl, once upon a time

  Her name was Arianna, do you know her fine?

  Elora's favourite nursery rhyme echoed in Nene’s head. Her Saint used to recite it at night, every time she asked, to help her sleep.

  She was young and Holy, the faithful’s pillar!

  Blessed by God, sent to us hither

  Salvation itself, more precious than silver

  A silhouette moved inside the crack. Nene winced. Whatever it was, it was having a hard time moving and was confined in that narrow space. She approached cautiously, ready to draw the dagger.

  Alas! The Saint fell for the Enemy

  She betrayed Faith and turned to Heresy

  Remember, child, wooed by temptation

  Not even a Saint is granted Salvation

  Two pale eyes reflected the light, similar to those of a nocturnal animal. They were devoid of any colour as if covered by a thick cataract. Around them a pale, almost bluish face showed itself, covered with sores and crusts, its blood vessels visible under the thin, transparent skin.

  The Evil One calls, its voice is a delight

  Remember ‘tis a vile deception

  The simplest path leads to demise

  Keep your faith strong, to avoid damnation

  A frail, bony body crawled towards the edge of the crack, completely naked and battered. Its wounds were so deep that they were painful just to look at. The bald and emaciated nape seemed to throb. The unnatural paleness of that figure seemed that of a slimy creature from the deep rather than a human being’s. Yet its features, its arms that weakly sought a hold, without daring to emerge from the crack, were undoubtedly so. The figure remained hidden in the shadows. Geiserich's diary mentioned that Arianna was ashamed of her appearance, so Nene dared to speak.

  ?You Holiness?, she said. ?You don't need to show yourself if you don't want to?

  A hiss reverberated inside the trunk. Ifeo trotted in front of it and sat down meekly.

  ?Come closer…?, the figure whispered.

  Her voice was small and high-pitched, but somehow soft and welcoming. Nene obeyed. She had to maintain decorum despite the disgusting appearance of her guest, determined to treat the Saint with due respect, no matter how far she had strayed from faith.

  ?Yes, Your Holiness?, she replied. ?Did you want to see me??

  ?Well done, Ifeo?, she whispered. ?Well done?

  ?How can I serve you??

  ?Tell me thy name?

  ?I'm Nene. I serve the Church as an Inquisitor?

  ?Inquisitor…?

  ?Will you allow me to ask some questions??

  ?Indeed?

  ?Are you... really the Holy Arianna??

  ?Arianna??, she repeated. ?Yes. Ah, it is mine name?

  Her mind was as battered as her body. The heretic Saint, the witch who had terrorised the moor for generations, was reduced to a pale carcass, barely alive. Her condition was pitiful. It stirred something deep inside Nene that made her want to cry.

  ?Your Holiness, your daughter pays you her respects?

  ?Daughter??

  ?Maria. Your daughter?

  ?Maria… Oh, Maria…?

  Arianna retreated into the cavity, very slowly. Nene heard her sob and couldn't hold back tears any longer.

  ?Your Holiness... why did you summon me??

  ?...Salvation…?

  ?Do you want salvation??

  ?They do not allow it. They do not allow me to die. Prithee, help me?, Arianna begged.

  ?Who are “they”? Who's holding you??

  ?Everyone. All of them. They shall hast no mercy. Without me, they are lost?

  ?The damned you helped? The demons??

  ?We do not act alone. Should they crave a fight, I canst not oppose?

  Nene knelt in front of the fracture. Ifeo lowered its ears as if frightened. Arianna, however, stretched her neck a little. The light of Vesper better illuminated her rotting face, her skin shiny as if wet, which seemed about to fall apart at the slightest contact, similar to a mush, an unhealthy blob ready to melt at any moment.

  ?Your Holiness, order me to fight for you, and I will be happy to do so. Where are your enemies??

  ?Inside. Around. Under. Everywhere?

  ?What should I do??

  A skeletal hand clawed at the edge of the crack. The fawn craned its neck and sniffed it. Its little tail wagged frantically.

  ?Save me?, Arianna sobbed. ?Save me, Inquisitor?

  ?As you wish?

  She stood up and took out her dagger. Arianna retreated into the trunk until she almost disappeared.

  ?It shan’t work?, she whispered. ?My heart no longer is among mine flesh?

  ?Where is it, then??

  ?Below, among many. They hide it so that I live?

  ?Below, you say? How can I get there??

  ?Fire?

  The hand pointed to the tree and the flowers surrounding it. That simple gesture seemed to exhaust Arianna. Her hand fell dead weight.

  ?Do you want me to burn down the tree and everything?!?

  ?Fire?, she repeated. ?Fire! Fire!?

  ?So be it. I will do it. I will save you, you have my word?

  A satisfied sigh emerged from the cavity. The hand retreated. Only the reflection on her blind eyes remained to indicate Arianna's presence.

  ?Be blessed?, she recited.

  ?Tell me one last thing. Recently, a child came to visit you. His name is Tera, he belongs to the Cloud Folk. Do you know where he is now?

  ?Tera…?

  ?That's right, Tera. Do you know him??

  ?He is with us?, she replied.

  Nene was left in shock. What did it mean? Geiserich's diary suggested that Arianna had changed over the years, mutated. The damned who came to her in search of salvation had begun to disappear, and perhaps the same fate had befallen Tera. Her stomach tightened, but she forced herself to ask anyway.

  ?What does this mean??

  ?Together. Forever. Body and soul. In the Multitude. We are many and one?

  ?Is Tera alive??

  ?None of us are. We are but flesh. We no longer belong to this world. Deign us to die!?

  Nene covered her mouth. How was she supposed to find the courage to break such news to Kora? She thought of Nila, the person she cared about most. How would she have felt if it had happened to her? She couldn't even begin to comprehend the anguish of a mother learning that her son had met such an unfortunate fate, worse than death itself.

  ?Help me?, Arianna insisted. ?Be prepared. They shall fight. They crave me to live?

  ?Yes, Your Holiness?, she replied. ?Hold on. Today you will be freed?

  ?At last?, she whispered. ?Free?

  ?Now… I'd better go?, Nene said. ?I'm not alone. My friends will help me. Don't lose hope. We will free you as soon as possible?

  ?Wait…?

  Nene had already taken a step back but stopped. A long silence followed. Arianna's voice was growing weaker, exhausted by their conversation. She waited a long time before hearing her speak again.

  ?Bring Maria aroint. Find her a new home?

  ?Yes, Your Holiness. Maria will be safe and live her life in the outside world. I promise?

  ?Hie, now?, the Saint ordered. ?Nene. Mine most valiant Knight?

  She gulped, one step away from being overwhelmed by emotions. She turned and started running. She carelessly stepped on the rafflesia flowers and ran at breakneck speed. She heard galloping behind her. Ifeo ran past her, hopping as if weightlessly on that rough terrain. Nene almost fell several times but never slowed down. It was all too cruel and unfair to be real. She wanted to scream, to do anything that would prevent her from thinking about Arianna's cruel fate, on the perverse torture to which the Evil One had subjected her.

  For the first time in her life, she addressed her thoughts to God, thoughts that her old self would never have had, that the Church would have severely condemned.

  Why? Why was God allowing it?