The Pointless Axe was overfull. Overfull of noise. Of bodies. Silithie grimace, wrinkling her nose. And especially smells. The scents Rotten food, spilled drink, and unwashed bodies was aided by too infrequent breezes.

Belladonna tapped her finger on the stone wall watching her newest assignment sit in the grass a garden away. Seeing her through the wild plants was challenging. Hearing her, however, was simple. She was a fairy godmother, after all. Being able to hear her charges was part of the job.

“Athard! Athard!” The earsplitting chant was screeched by being of pure energy. Finay scowled at the twins unruly bouncing which caused the bed’s frame to groan. Finay snatched Piersym mid jump and pulled her close tickling the child. Mathis, flung himself on Finay’s other arm in protest.

“At your service.” The words are quick and unwavering as always, spoken before I have a moment to see who summoned me. My eye open as the routines flood through my body. Ignoring muscles aching from lack of use I step forward, drop to one knee, and my head bowed.

Amelie kept her eyes locked on the receptionist. The flick of the woman’s eyes, the pause before speaking, and the words were familiar. “You’re one of them.” Her tone, however, was not. The words were flat.

Breward hesitated on the edge of the park. The leaves’ edges glowed in the morning light which had yet to find its wat over the city wall. Nor did the thud of soldier in formation reach her there. She grasped the hilt at her side, twisting the familiar melt and leather. She should be with them. Not here.

Alyssum’s wings fluttered as she pushed against axe’s haft ineffectively. How had the human stuck this in so deeply? Snorting she threw herself against it again gaining a stinging shoulder.