Chapter 7: Two Champions

She opened her eyes and blinked, adjusting to the darkness around her. She sees that it is her sister, Rowena, who stands over her, and her heart leapt with joy. "Rowena! How'd you get here, anyway?"

But a look of confusion met her on her sister's face. "How do you know me?"

"How do I know you? You're my sister, Rowena."

"I don't have a sister." Rowena crossed her arms. "I have a brother, and another one who died long ago. I've never seen you before in my life."

Joan felt her stomach lurch. She was so sure she knew Rowena. It was the only thing she was sure of at the moment--that and her name. "Well--I--all right. Let's assume some evil power has been messing with our minds."

"I don't know," said Rowena, tapping her chin. "I remember--"

"You remember what?"

"I remember a god. Or... something like a god. I--well, first, I remember dying." [14962]

"Oh."

"And then I remember a god came to me, and asked me a question. I think I answered yes. But I don't remember what it was. And then they wanted me to do something?"

There was a vague familiarity to all this. "What?"

"I don't remember. I--wait. I remember I was supposed to find a friend I didn't know. That's what the god said."

Joan shook her head. "That makes no sense at all."

"Well, gods don't like to make sense. They're more trouble than they're worth if you ask me." She then fell silent, as if caught unawares by what she had said and waiting for Joan to scold her for her blasphemy, but Joan just laughed.

"Anyway," said Rowena, "you were going to help me. Or I was going to help you. I remember that now. Joan, do you remember anything?"

"Well... I think I died too. And I remember dancing. That's about it."

Rowena nods. "This is all as clear as mud."

She helped Joan up off the rough stones where she lay. Joan felt unsteady on her feet. She remembered she once moved with the grace of a dancer, and hoped it would come back to her.

Their eyes adjusted to the dark, and they saw they were in a ruined castle. Ragged remnants of tapestries clung to the wall, and the night stars shine through holes in the ceiling. An owl hooted from somewhere outside.

1. The two Champions explore the ruins...
2. A world away, Jarlath, Annifrid and Andrea 2 seek to free their compatriot Astra 9...

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