‘I was worried. But now we’re together again, I know things are going to get better.’ She took his hand and squeezed it.

‘Why?’ he asked.

‘Because I’m not going to rest until they are.’ When he didn’t respond, she squeezed his hand more firmly. ‘Do you understand? We will get through this.’

There was no reaction. It was as if a vital part of her brother had withdrawn to places she could not follow.

They were truly entering Sapphire lands now. Pari could see a simple wooden tower had been constructed next to the Godroad, allowing those stationed there plenty of warning when visitors approached. However, no structures survived long in close proximity to the Godroad’s energies and the nearest legs showed signs of repeated repair.

How typically Sapphire to stubbornly endure rather than build somewhere more sensible.

Despite her sneer it dismayed her how easy it was for the Sapphire to police their lands. Everyone but the brave and foolish used the Godroads. Traders and Story-singers would have to come this way. Those that needed to deal with the Sapphire for survival, and those that needed to travel through on the way to other houses would first need to gain permission from the tower.

That’s a lot of power to have, I hope it hasn’t gone to their heads.

It had been some time since a Deathless from another house had paid the Sapphire a visit and she wasn’t entirely sure what kind of reception they were going to get. A guard stepped up onto the Godroad in front of their carriage and ordered them to stop. She was sure that at least two more were in the tower.

As the carriage slowed she looked at Arkav. He remained locked in his thoughts. It would be up to her to lead things.

She opened the door of the carriage as the guard marched over. They looked young and inexperienced, but to Pari everyone looked that way. ‘You may approach,’ she said.

‘I don’t need your permission,’ came the blustered reply. ‘Who are you and what is your business here?’

Pari turned her head so that the young woman could admire her profile. ‘See for yourself.’

The guard took in her fine clothes, her dark sky-born skin, the golden marks on her lips, and paled. ‘I … we weren’t told to expect you.’

‘Ah well, let us be on our way and I won’t hold you responsible.’

Pari could see her thinking about it, minute shifts in posture and expression telling the story of surprise becoming fear becoming pride, so she was disappointed rather than surprised by the reply.

‘No, Tanzanite, I asked you your business.’

‘And I ask if the lofty Sapphire have forgotten their manners?’