Music and fires lit up the night in the moor under a canopy of stars. The Tega Urok were camped at the edge of the grove and eager to celebrate their leader's victory and the Holy Witch over their ancient enemy. They gathered musical instruments, flutes, drums and mandolins and played among the tents and pyres. The hunters sang while gulping booze, which was being distributed to everyone from the expedition's supply.

  Nene found herself wandering among the comings and goings of drunken and rowdy nomads. She had slept all day in a tent and was awakened by the sounds of them partying. Dazed and cold, still wearing her torn clothes from the previous day, she approached a bonfire. Next to her, a trio of hunters were playing dice on a wooden table and laughing loudly. One of them recognized her and raised his mug. The others soon followed suit. Only when she nodded did the three go back to their games. Those people considered her one of them, which was heartwarming, although embarrassing.

  She looked at her hands. The burns were mostly healed, thanks to Nila. Even the scratches and bruises caused by the sparrows no longer hurt so much. Her hair was a mess, torn in several spots. Her cape was unusable. She felt exhausted and sore, but at least she was alive. Nila had remained with Bugra, who was gravely injured. It had been a challenge to bring him back to the surface, given his condition, but fortunately, his life was not in danger. He would surely appear that night to celebrate with his friends, despite everything.

  After the purge of Saint Arianna, the Vesper continued to shine in the cave. The forest animals could have kept living there or moved to the surface. Ifeo and Guaz had followed Maria to the Tega Urok camp, determined to stay close to their master, despite being visibly frightened by that large number of humans. The little girl, once exhausted by crying, had abandoned her home in the depths forever. Her future remained uncertain, but at least she would no longer have to live secluded in that cave. She could find a home, get to know people, learn from her peers and perhaps better understand herself and her unusual lineage.

  ?Found you!?

  Nila slammed into her, frightening her. She uncharacteristically clung to her. She was holding a waterskin in her hand, one that smelled of spirit. Before Nene could say a word, she was crushed in an almost ferocious hug. Nila's breathing was deep and laboured, funnily so.

  ?How much did you have??, Nene asked.

  ?A bit...?, she mumbled.

  ?A bit??

  ?A little… too much. Want some??

  Nene shook her head. Nila sat next to her. Her face was red and she looked tired. A scratch crossed her forehead horizontally. Nene touched it and Nila smiled.

  ?It's n-nothing. Are you okay??

  ?Much better, thanks. What about Bugra??

  ?I t-told him to rest but of course, he didn't listen! He’s dancing somewhere...?

  ?If he can dance, it means he's fine, right??

  ?Uh? I guess so…?

  ?And the others??

  ?Ada has r-recovered. She looked like she was sleeping with her eyes open. She s-scared me, you know? I wish you were there with me…?

  ?I’m sorry. Did I sleep the whole day??

  ?You did?, Nila replied, pouting. ?Also, Kora has been playing with Maria ever since we came back?

  ?Kora?! That Kora??

  ?Maybe she really likes to take care of children, after all?

  Nila rested her head on her shoulder and caressed her face. They admired the flames in silence, surrounded by songs and music. In the distance, Nene recognized Bugra's voice, and even Adanara's. Whatever they were doing, they seemed to be having a blast. Nila didn't seem to notice. She was leaning more and more against her.

  ?I’m done?, Nene said suddenly. ?With the Inquisition?

  ?Uh? What??

  ?I don't want to fight the Evil One anymore?, she elaborated. ?I'm tired of being beaten and… I don’t want you to worry about me anymore?

  ?Really? I-I thought it was important to you?

  ?Yes, it is, but…?

  She stared into Nila's eyes and flushed. Embarrassment got the better of her as she fell humiliatingly silent. Nila laughed.

  ?I don't believe you?

  ?I'm serious, I swear!?

  ?I know, I know, but y-you're too... Nene, to retire?

  ?What do you mean I'm too Nene?!?

  Nila patted her on the nose and burst out laughing. She pushed her away. Nila almost fell to the ground, so wobbly she was.

  ?Listen, I appreciate it, r-really, but… you don't have to give up a part of yourself for my sake. It wouldn't feel right?

  ?You think so??

  ?Also, what would you do instead? Let's hear it?

  ?Oh, I... I haven't thought about it yet?

  Nila offered her the waterskin once again. She gave in to her insistence and took a sip of Tega Urok's alcohol.

  ?Actually, there’s one more thing I have to do?, she said.

  ?What is it??

  ?Discover the truth about the Emissary, and about the Evil One. What we saw upsets everything I have been taught by the Church. I want to see to the bottom of it?

  ?Will you face Jiriel??

  ?Face her? Erm… I hope not, that would be… well…?

  ?I like you when you face the impossible?, Nila slobbered.

  The young woman began to curl Nene’s hair with her fingers. Her behaviour was as brazen as ever, even more so than when they were alone. Nene blushed and smiled like an idiot.

  ?Oh really? Should I do that more often, then??

  ?I saw you, w-when you raised the cross, in the cave?, Nila giggled, comically imitating her gesture. ?Be honest, you w-were having fun?

  ?Having fun?! I was terrified!?

  ?You liar?

  Nila crawled on top of her and came within touching distance of her nose. She felt her breath on her skin. For a moment, Nene forgot all the absurdities and pain they had just overcome.

  ?Inquisitor, I slurred during mass at church. Arrest me!?, she recited.

  Nene hid her face against Nila's shoulder out of embarrassment. They both laughed, hugging each other in front of the bonfire.

  ?What’s gotten into you??, she whispered.

  ?Was it too much? Fine...?

  ?When we get home, perhaps?, Nene said.

  Despite her good mood a moment earlier, Nila didn’t reply. Her silence made Nene feel empty inside. Did she say something wrong? She raised her head and looked Nila in the face.

  ?What is it??

  ?Nene…?

  ?Is something wrong??

  Nila moved away from her and sat up. She left the flask on the ground and gave her a look full of concern.

  ?Ada and I have discussed a lot, and... we want... We want to go to Ubermann, Dad's homeland?

  ?Maria's father's diary mentions it, but does it also say how to get there??

  ?No, but Bugra s-said that their queen knows how to reach the “land of the gods”?

  Nene nodded. Why was Nila so hesitant to tell her about it? They had faced more than one dangerous journey together at that point. It was becoming second nature.

  ?Is that all??, Nila asked. ?I-I thought… I thought you would be against it?

  ?Why would I? We even promised to go together, one day, did we??

  ?Together??

  They exchanged a puzzled look. What was going through Nila’s head? Nene racked her brains in vain. Why shouldn't she support Nila in her search for answers about her father's origins?

  ?Nene, maybe y-you don't understand...?

  ?What??, she asked agitatedly.

  ?We… will not go back to Kumhar, for now?

  ?You... Uh??

  ?We don't know exactly where Ubermann is, but the Tega Urok say it’s southeast from here. Returning to Kumhar would lengthen our journey a lot?

  Nene finally managed to connect the dots. Her destination was Kumhar, to the west, where the Emissary and the truths she so longed for awaited her, while the sisters wished to travel in the opposite direction. The idea of ??moving away from Nila was heartbreaking. Her thoughts overlapped in a chaos similar to panic. She took her hand.

  ?We can go together! I'm coming too!?, she said, raising her voice.

  ?But… w-what about… Don't you want to go to Jiriel??

  ?Yes, well but... it can wait...?, she insisted, unconvinced.

  ?Really??

  ?It can wait…?

  ?Really??

  Nene approached Nila. She felt incredibly fragile and alone. She kept looking down and contained the urge to cry. Deep down she didn't want to wait. She wanted to face the Emissary as soon as possible. She tried to come up with excuses to get out of that scenario, but she couldn't. She sighed.

  ?I don't want you to leave me?, she whimpered.

  ?Oh, no?, Nila hugged her. ?It will only be for a while. I will return to Kumhar soon, I promise?

  ?I can wait?, she protested. ?I could…?

  ?Nene, t-that's not the point. Do you really w-want to wait??

  ?No…?, she grumbled.

  Nila smiled and wiped away her tears. Unlike her, she appeared calm. Was she being an inexperienced brat once again?

  ?There is nothing wrong i-if we pursue different goals. The important thing is that we manage to find each other again?

  ?You think so??

  ?Of course. I’ll have to go back, eventually. Y-you wouldn't be able to run the farm alone?, she teased her.

  Nene smiled back. Nila took the opportunity to attack her. She pointed a finger at her side and began to tickle her. Nene squirmed and laughed as she awkwardly tried to defend herself. When the assault stopped, she caught her breath and regained her composure.

  ?Sorry. You're right, I'm making a big deal out of nothing?

  ?So it's decided??, Nila asked. ?You’ll wait for me back at home??

  ?Yes… I'll miss you, though?

  ?Me too?

  They stared at each other in silence for a few moments. They had no clue how long it would take for Nila to return from her journey. Nene was so worried about knowing her out alone in the world, but she forced herself to be rational, remembering that she would be together with her sister, and they would rely on each other. At the same time, Nene was thrilled to address her doubts to the Emissary. The thought that Jiriel might have kept important details from her, perhaps even lied, tormented her. It was blasphemous to even think so, but by then the seed of doubt had been planted, and a part of her was even worried for Oto's safety.

  ?What are you doing here?!?, Bugra thundered.

  The man appeared, drunk and staggering, between the tents of the camp a few metres away. He held a keg under his arm from which he was pouring beer into a mug. Aside from being wasted, he looked in good shape compared to the previous day. Behind him, equally inebriated but decidedly less noisy, Adanara was trying to put on an attitude. What gave her away was the fact that, as much as she tried to hide her red face under her enormous hat, she didn't succeed, as her hands often failed in their attempts to grab it and lower it. Bugra collapsed in front of the fire. He was so big that just sitting down seemed like he could make the earth tremble. He smiled innocently at Nila and handed her a mug.

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  ?You were right?, he chuckled. ?Maybe it's a little too early to dance?

  ?See? D-did you hurt yourself??

  ?Luckily not?, he said, touching his side. ?I stopped when I started to feel a little pain...?

  Adanara bit back a laugh and a funny noise came out of her nose. She stood in front of Nene, on the opposite side of the bonfire, but didn't say a word.

  ?What is it??, the man blurted out.

  ?“A little pain”?, she muttered. ?You were about to cry!?

  The nomad pretended to be annoyed but finally burst out laughing loudly. From his belt, he unhooked more mugs and poured beer for everyone.

  ?We've been through a lot?, he said. ?There's no point in keeping up appearances anymore, is there??

  ?What will your people think then, chief??, Adanara insisted.

  ?You should have seen him!? Nene interjected. ?He… slayed that thing with his bare hands!?

  ?You tell her! Nothing can break my spirit! Almost…?

  The hunter's laughter was not returned by the sisters, who suddenly became sombre. Nene and Bugra were the only ones who felt any kind of euphoria at the memory of their feat, and they had inadvertently ruined the mood.

  ?What will become of Maria now??

  ?M-maybe we should take her to Kumhar?, Nila suggested.

  ?She can stay with us if she wants?, Bugra said. ?A Tega Urok’s life is harsh, but we take care of our own?

  ?Liar! You want someone in your ranks who can talk to animals?

  The man laughed again and nodded. He finished his mug in one gulp and poured another. Then he got serious.

  ?Is it over? We defeated the witch, did we??

  ?I don't think you've completely gotten rid of the plague?, Nene admitted. ?As long as the Evil One exists, there will never be peace?

  ?It's enough to know that our battle is not in vain?, he sighed. ?Without the witch… Without Arianna, the beasts’ numbers should drop?

  ?If only the Lightbringers had joined you in the fight…?

  ?No more long faces!?, Adanara protested. ?I know, I know, I started it. Sorry!?, she said. She stood up and, spreading her cloak, made a theatrical bow. ?We met the Saint of legends and kicked the Evil One’s ass! To us!?

  ?To us!?, Bugra played along.

  They raised their mugs. The music was further and further away, a sign that the minstrels were moving around the camp. Nene took a sip of beer, more for the sake of participating than anything else. Had she kept thinking about what had happened, she would have become paranoid. It was not the night to worry about the implications of what they had seen, the horrors faced and the mysteries unsolved.

  The alcohol soon got to her head, but Bugra didn't stop pouring. Once the first keg was over, he left for a few minutes and returned with a new one. One mug after another, the lights and sounds overlapped. Adanara's voice telling funny stories became distant and muffled. Nene closed her eyes for a moment, and the world disappeared around her.

  Daylight illuminated a tent made of brown hides. Nene heard voices, the sound of wheels and horses trotting. She was inside a rudimentary tent, composed of a sheet secured to the ground in two spots, and raised obliquely until it reached a single pole. It didn't provide much shelter from the wind or rain, but the weather was mild and the skies were clear. She looked down and found Nila lying sideways, slumped over her belly. They were wrapped in a pile of blankets, half of them thrown around by Nila’s restless sleep. Her deep breathing was crushing Nene with every movement. She tried to get up, with little success.

  ?Nila??, she called.

  Her throat was parched and her mouth was sticky. A bitter taste permeated her palate and her head felt heavy. She wanted water more than anything, but she was being held hostage once again.

  ?Nila, wake up?

  The woman grumbled and climbed on top of her, almost headbutting her. When she reached her chin, she dropped dead weight, without even opening her eyes.

  ?You're hurting me?, Nene complained.

  ?Uh??

  Nila raised her head. Her dishevelled hair covered much of her hazy face.

  ?Good morning?, Nene greeted her.

  ?Mmm?, was her reply.

  She took advantage of the moment and sat up. Nila rolled to the side and grabbed a blanket, under which she ducked as if to escape the sunlight. Nene checked the surroundings and saw that their belongings were gathered nearby. There were also clothes, made of fur and fabric, similar to those the Tega Urok wore, along with carved statuettes, fangs of wild animals, bread and dried meat. She smiled at those gifts from the nomads. She stood up and immediately looked for her canteen. She drank the lukewarm, disgusting water, recovering little by little with each sip. She remembered the revelry of the previous night, alternating with some blind spots in her memories. Shameful.

  Outside the tent, the Tega Urok were busy. They were disassembling the camp, ready to move on to their next destination. Soon they would have said goodbye, they would have parted ways. She checked her clothes, dirty, battered and smelly. She would have loved to take a bath, but it was an impossible luxury in the moor, especially since they had made the only lake in the area disappear. At the very least she had to get changed.

  The gifted clothes fit her surprisingly well. Given the nomad’s averagely enormous size, it was surprising they had managed to find something suitable for her tiny frame. A belt with metal rings held up the cloth trousers, the white linen tunic was nice and cool on her skin, and the jacket with furry shoulder straps was warm and comfortable. She looked bitterly at her cloak embroidered with silver threads, torn and filthy with blood and dirt. Repairing it was going to be expensive. Mother Superior would have lectured her if she had seen it.

  She came out of the tent and was dazzled by the sun. It was almost midday, and most hunters were walking slowly, also recovering from the hangover. She looked at Nila once more, then walked away. She wanted to find Bugra, figure out what his plans were, and thank him for the clothes. She asked around for directions. The Tega Urok recognized her easily, some of them sang at the sight of her, while others tormented her with heavy pats on the back. Most were gathering their things, dismantling their tents and loading everything onto the backs of their horses. They directed her towards a column of smoke, a fire still burning despite they were about to leave.

  Making her way through the coming and going of nomads, she found herself in the same spot where she had gotten drunk the night before. Some hunters were sitting on the ground around the fire, eating hot stew from wooden bowls. One of them was cooking in a cauldron placed over the flame, the smell coming from it anything but inviting. She spotted Bugra among them, sitting next to old Simig, chatting, and joined them.

  ?It’s you, girl!?, the old man exulted.

  ?Inquisitor?, Bugra imitated him. ?Sit with us, eat something!?

  ?Um… no, thanks. I’m about to vomit...?

  The two laughed and made room for her next to them. Bugra offered her some bread regardless.

  ?You have to get something in your stomach, or you'll feel awful all day?

  ?I see. Thanks…?

  ?The clothes fit you like a glove, it seems?

  ?Yes?, she admitted. ?I needed those. Thank you?

  ?They were my nephew's?, Simig laughed. ?When he was twelve?

  ?Oh. Well…?

  The old man nodded satisfied. Nene remembered the bizarre little telescope he had given her on the lakeshore. That man missed his deceased nephew very much, but he had no problem giving her his possessions for the second time. Was that his way of leaving the past behind him?

  ?Tuatha was looking for you this morning?, Bugra said. ?She and the little girl left early this morning. They should be back soon?

  ?Did she bring Maria with her? Where to??

  ?I didn't understand a word. She spoke of a spirit and said that she could help Maria. Do you know anything about it??

  ?I hope she doesn't do anything weird...?

  ?You worry too much. Tuatha is tough, but has a soft spot for children?

  ?Does she??

  ?What about you? What will you do, Inquisitor? Nila and Adanara will travel with us. We are headed to the volcano, where our triumph awaits us?

  ?The queen will welcome us as heroes!?, the old man said. ?You should come?

  ?I’m heading home?, she explained. ?There are matters I need to solve?

  ?Really? I thought that you and Nila were close. You won't follow her??

  ?There is... a person who owes me explanations. I fear that we have not yet revealed the whole truth, about the Evil One and the damned?

  Bugra nodded worriedly. He remained thoughtful for a few moments, but then he smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder.

  ?I'll protect your family in the meantime. You have my word?

  Simig patted his chief on the chest and pointed behind him. They turned and saw Kora, her white and green curls making her stand out in the crowd of Tega Urok. She also wore fur clothes similar to those that had been gifted to Nene. It was weird to see her completely covered, considering her people's general aversion to clothing. Beside her, little Maria clung to her hand like a lost puppy. They headed towards them, the shaman's expression a mystery, as always.

  ?Tuatha, come?, Bugra called. ?There is food for everyone?

  The two approached. Maria let go and sat down on the ground. She timidly accepted old Simig's offer of stew and ate greedily. Kora refused and turned to Nene.

  ?We visited the flame spirit?, she explained.

  ?Um… why??, Nene asked.

  The shaman sat next to her. Even though she had known her for a while now, she still hadn't gotten used to her face without eyebrows, which made her expressiveness, or lack of it, even more indecipherable.

  ?I asked her a few things about Maria. I think you will find them interesting?

  ?I'm listening?

  The little girl was unusually quiet but seemed at ease in the company of Simig, who was spoiling her by giving her more bread, water and smiles.

  ?The spirit says she is unique. Like Adanara, but without the need of a gift. The power of the nameless is innate in her. This is why animals listen to her?

  ?She has the power of the Evil One?!?

  ?Not really. She was born with it. It belongs to her and no one else?

  Nene looked at the girl with new eyes. It was absurd to think that a witch by birth existed. The scholars of the Church would have laughed if she had told them. Yet it was in front of her, frightened and shocked by the loss of her mother, harmless and innocent like any little girl.

  ?I asked her to come with me?, Kora continued. ?And she said yes?

  ?Maria??

  The little girl looked up. She wiped her mouth on her ragged clothes before speaking.

  ?Mydame Kora can school me to perform miracles?, she explained in a faint voice. ?I crave to wot?

  ?My people need a Warden, she needs a home and a family?

  ?Will the Cloud Folk accept a human Warden??

  ?Maybe. It’s up to her. I… thought you would object?

  Nene smiled. She had promised Saint Arianna to take Maria away from the cave and to take care of her. Kora was more qualified than her to raise a child. She understood the importance of her role as a mother, given the sad fate that had befallen Tera.

  ?No, I think you'll be fine?

  ?Oh, I… I was wondering if…?

  ?What??

  It was unusual to see the shaman stumble over her words, or hesitate in general. Bugra pretended to ignore their conversation, but peeked amusedly out of the corner of his eye.

  ?... Maria will have to learn the culture of her kin too, and I cannot teach her in that regard. Can I... count on you??

  ?Of course. Come to Kumhar whenever you want. I will be happy to teach you what I know, Maria?

  ?Shall thou school me to read??, the little girl asked.

  ?Sure!?

  The girl finally smiled. It would not have been easy for her to get used to a completely new place, a culture she had never seen before, but at least she could continue to live and move forward. Meanwhile, Nene could have taught her about her mother, the Church, and the people she descended from. She had lost Arianna, but had found a new, bigger family.

  ?I will assign you an escort?, Bugra said. ?The journey is long to Kumhar?

  ?So… you gave up your gift??, Nene asked.

  ?No. I will need it to teach Maria. The elders will have to deal with it?

  Kora rolled up one sleeve of her jacket and showed her arm. The scales that occasionally sprouted on her skin, once an emerald green, had turned white, like the dragon that had fought the Multitude.

  ?What does it mean??

  ?Not even Salisander is sure. She thinks that my Ascension will never happen. It's better this way, I'll be busy with other matters?

  The shaman looked at Maria, who was eagerly eating the stew. Nene had a feeling that they would be fine, and perhaps that unusual adoption would bring the misunderstandings between the Cloud Folk and humans to a definitive end.

  Shortly after noon, the Tega Urok were ready to depart. Bugra kept his word. Two of his men volunteered to escort Kora, Maria and Nene to the borders of Kumhar. The rest of the horde was headed north, together with Nila and Adanara. The nomads on horseback gathered at the edge of the grove, awaiting instructions.

  Nene waited impatiently for Nila to come and say goodbye. She was trembling, absorbed in a deep internal conflict: there was still time to change her mind. Unfortunately, it felt hard to establish priorities. Nila's words were convincing and she felt a genuine urgency to meet the Emissary again. Also, she wanted to prove to herself that she had grown up. Throughout her life, she always had been dependent on others. She had fallen for Nila at first for that silly reason. It was a challenge with herself, to be able to be fine on her own, even if for a short time. If she succeeded, things would have been better for both of them in the future, and maybe Adanara would have stopped calling her a brat.

  Finally she saw the sisters appear among the waiting horses. Adanara's tall hat attracted attention as usual. The Tega Urok surrounded her to thank her or even kiss her hand. She dodged most of them with vague embarrassment as she hurried to keep up with Nila, who was running at Nene instead. She rushed at her. She held her close, kissed her forehead and looked at her face.

  ?B-be careful on the road?, she said.

  ?Yes… You too?

  ?I-I'll try to let you know about us. Bugra says he wants to try to establish correspondence with the mayor. I’ll write you a letter?

  ?That would be great?

  Adanara approached shyly. Nene smiled at her from Nila's crushing grip, who didn't seem to want to let her go, after all.

  ?Sevika must have thrown all my stuff out into the streets?, the witch said.

  ?I'll take it to the farm?, Nene replied. ?I'll take care of it?

  Adanara nodded. She spread her arms and hugged both of them. Nene continued to smile. She had thought she would have felt miserable, but on the contrary, she was optimistic, albeit melancholic. She knew how important it was for the sisters to follow in their father's footsteps, and was convinced that when they returned, their lives would finally be able to turn page.

  ?Here it comes!?, Bugra yelled.

  Adanara stepped aside, unlike Nila, who was slow to react. The large man picked her and Nene up and lifted them off the ground, laughing.

  ?Hey! E-easy, you're still hurt!?

  ?I feel great!?, he replied. ?Goodbye, Inquisitor. I hope we will meet again. And you, Tuatha, are you sure you want to go home??

  ?I'm sure of it?, Kora replied. ?You will be my guest if you want to visit our Sanctuary?

  ?I definitely will. Maybe, one day, my people won't even need us Tega Urok anymore. All thanks to you, my friends?

  Bugra put them on the ground and went to Kora. He took off a large waterskin he carried over his shoulder and offered it to her.

  ?What is it??, she asked.

  ?Infusion?, the man sneered. ?Your favourite?

  Kora looked at him perplexed, not quick to get a joke as usual. She took the waterskin and put it around her neck. Finally, Bugra knelt in front of Maria, who had never left the shaman's side since they came out the cave.

  ?Take care of her. She goes a little nuts, sometimes?

  ?I don’t?, Kora replied.

  Bugra laughed and the girl did the same. Her toothless smile had become a rarity after her mother's passing, and it looked even more precious than before.

  ?Come and visit me, mysire?, Maria said.

  ?You can count on it. And you two, be good?

  Not far away, Guaz and Ifeo were watching their master from a distance, as always. The loyalty of those two animals was surprising, to the point that they had abandoned their natural environment to remain close to Maria.

  ?Nila…?, Nene whispered. ?You’ll make me change my mind if you keep this up?

  Nila released her grip a little and she could see her face. Her eyes were swollen and she was biting her lips furiously. She was trying to say something, but the words seemed stuck in her throat, so she just sobbed.

  ?See you at home, okay??

  Nila nodded. Adanara rested a hand on her shoulders and she finally convinced her to let go of Nene.

  ?Good?, Bugra announced. ?Ladies, we better go. It’s getting late, and it is not wise to travel at night in the moor. The surviving beasts might be nearby, so we must move?

  Adanara and Bugra walked towards the rest of the group, waving goodbye. Maria responded in kind, but Nila stood in front of Nene, motionless.

  ?Go?, she encouraged. ?Go to the place where they thrive on science alone?

  ?Yes?, Nila replied, crying. ?I love you?

  ?I love you too?

  Nila smiled and finally turned and joined the others. Every step she took seemed an insurmountable distance away from her. Nene wanted to run after her, give up everything, the Church, the Inquisition, the Emissary... She waited trembling for Nila's back to disappear among the horses of the Tega Urok, her heart heavy as a boulder.

  ?Shall we go as well??, one of the nomads in their escort asked.

  ?Yes?, Kora replied. ?Are you coming, Nene??

  She took a deep breath. The next chapter of her life awaited her in Kumhar. The mystery of the true identity of the Evil One was at hand and there was only one person who could shed light on it. Where she had found salvation in her darkest hour, she would also have found the answers to her new dilemmas. She would make everything right, get justice for Elora, and build a safer world for herself and her loved ones. She would honour the mission of the Inquisition, albeit with unorthodox methods, a pinch of madness, and the assistance of an angel.

  It was time for her to challenge the unknown again and, one day, share her discoveries with Nila.

  It was time for her to decide about her life.

  Be blessed