"Please carry on, Sister. You may rise, Sister Sofia.

"Thank you for your indulgence, Reverend Mother."

Judan consulted her detailed, specific notes for the next ninety minutes, firing pointed questions at each Sister in turn; every woman present had a vital role to perform, if the spell was to succeed.

A few Sisters confessed to minor failures of attention or detail, and two nuns were condemned to minor punishments for their transgressions. At each negative report, Judan made adjustments to her calculations but, at last, she declared herself satisfied.

"Sisters, please go to your posts!” she cried, consulting a small compass. “Reverend Mother, may I ask you to move to your left a little? Thank you."

"Sister Vanar; the brand should be in your left hand, you idiot!” Judan screamed, departing for a moment from her tutelary mien.

"My apologies, Sister."

"Hmm. Tribunes; please move a little closer together… more… thank you. Sister Jana, raise your left arm a little higher… there. Thank you-hold that pose.

"Reverend Mother; we are ready."

"Carry on, Sister Judan."

"Sister Moran; the first chant, if you please!"

The spell was under way.

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Chapter 3: The Summoning

The two armed guards at the entrance to Grimm's tower in Crar had strict standing orders to challenge any person approaching the building. In the case of Shakkar, however, such niceties were waived; there was little chance of any miscreant being able to disguise himself as the titanic demon Seneschal.

"Good evening, gentlemen,” Shakkar rumbled to the watchmen. “Have you anything to report?"

"Nothing, Lord Seneschal,” the two green-uniformed men chorused, saluting with crisp precision. “All is quiet."

"Is Lady Drexelica in residence?” the demon asked. “I wish to discuss next week's Archery Tournament with her."