Song of the Sirens

"And there were also those who were so sparsely covered with earth that the dogs dragged them forth and devoured many bodies throughout the city. There was no one who wept for any death, for all awaited death. And so many died that all believed it was the end of the world."

• Agnolo di Tura

Death.

Every street, every store, every length and width of the city was coated in it. It lingered in the doorways, slunk through the sewers and floated in the skies above. The true nature of its existence - tiny, imperceptible, microscopic organisms that struck at the fabric of the body from within - remained unseen. Had it even been proposed, it would have been a laughable prospect to most, something more fittingly found within a children's book of fables than within the annals of medical knowledge. Yet very, very real.

A furious, angry, buzzing spectre, ever present, never fading. Taking what it willed and leaving behind empty husks of men, death was known to all, feared by all, and never far away.

And where there was fear, there was money to be made.

Every corner, every street, had at least one peddler of medicine, hawking cures, potions, salves, advice, hope. Uniformly clad in the regalia of their profession, those long, impenetrable cloaks and unnerving beaked masks, stuffed with exact blends of potent herbs weighed so precisely that the irony of their ineffectiveness was more tragic than the horror surrounding them. From whatever spare space they could find, they preached their panacea to any suffering denizen willing to listen and be parted with their money in dire hopes of deliverance from the death they feared might strike at any moment.

That their cures did not work, and that they were little more than enumerators of the infected at best, profiteering quacks at worst, did not slow their labours in the slightest. In particular, three of them, unusually shorter than most, made an excellent trade. For their craft, the lack of repeat business was of not a defect, but a feature.

Their voices were low and sultry, their music adapted to the standards of their time. Their song was quiet, cautious, aware of the risks of attracting too much attention. Their patrons swayed back and forth to their tune, eyes glazed over at the ethereal lullaby.

Beneath those thick cloaks, three amulets pulsed as one, slowly draining their victims and imbuing their owners with fresh power and zeal. As the hum reached its climax, each of them felt their spirits restored, if only for a stopgap. This morsel was a meagre snack, but it was enough.

The chanting stopped, and the suffering souls shook their heads, confused. Bickering amongst themselves, they began to scatter, groaning and whining as the plague continued to bite into their flesh and claim their lives, inch by fetid inch. As the last of the lepers dispersed, one of the doctors sighed and pushed up their mask, exposing the frustrated face of a girl in her later teenage years, unmarked by time over the past few centuries.

"This sucks. I mean it, Adagio; If I catch anything from these humans, I'm going to make sure you get it too before I die."

"Relax. And keep your mask on!" Adagio snapped, her voice muffled by the hardened leather and suffocatingly-sweet herbs within. "We won't make any money like this if they find out what we really look like!"

"All right, all right..."

The girl pulled her mask down once again, all but her angry, searching eyes now concealed. Stooping down, she carefully wrapped the small pile of golden coins their patients had deposited at their feet in a thick cloth bag. As soon as they were behind closed doors, at the insistence of Adagio, they would douse their quarry in boiling water until they were blisteringly hot to the touch. Aria had no idea what caused the affliction - and she was virtually certain Adagio didn't either, try as she might to pretend otherwise - but this small precaution had spared them so far. She had seen countless rotting unfortunates, many of them still alive, wasting away on the streets, and was keen to avoid joining their ranks.

"Nine aurelia." She scowled. "Not enough for me to be out here risking my life."

"Don't be so dramatic. Just keep your distance from them, you'll be fine."

"Oh yeah, because I was just dying to get up close and personal."

Tying the bag to a thin length of rope tied firmly around her waist, though not so tight as to suggest anything other than the hulking, masculine figure imposed by her thick cloak, Aria and her sisters slowly departed, the crowd before them making haste to avoid close contact. Medicine in this time might be stunted and backward, but all knew where street doctors congregated, the sickness was not far behind. Besides, there was something about their otherworldly masks and sweeping robes that was... unnerving.

Cadavers lined the streets, some of them stacked atop each other, three, four, even five corpses high. Occasionally, a thuggish-looking wastrel would stoop over a pile to rummage through their pockets in hope of finding a missed coin or trinket that had yet to be stripped from them, paying no heed to the invisible tendrils of death that so surely wrapped around them and dug in their claws.

To the Sirens, who had seen the pestilence rise from the start, the obvious connection between physical contact with the deceased and infection had quickly become plain, as was the effectiveness of heat and acid in cleansing the disease from contaminated objects. But to the humans of this time, who so often lived short, brutal lives, filled with suffering, such concepts were not so easily conceived. Fear ruled supreme, and more exotic explanations were common. Foul air, rodent bites, scheming groups, even the judgement of higher powers.

To Aria and Adagio, the suffering of humans was inconsequential. These... higher apes were scum of the lowest order, a destructive, self-obsessed species, shackled to anger and lust like the animals they were. They might perish in their thousands, they might perish in their millions; it made no difference. Their kind would always make haste to prepare fresh fodder for death. But the younger sister had her doubts.

In between the flames and ash, the blood and the corpses, shivered glimmers of hope, of tender weakness and loving care. A father, his skin angry and red with sores, mercilessly labouring on to feed his children before his last breath expired. A mother begging, her children huddled closely around her, sunken eyes filled with apprehension and fear. Countless more wide-eyed orphans, slinking through the streets, aimlessly seeking a salvation never to come.

Perhaps a hundred years prior, she would have glanced at such scenes and been unaffected. But her time in the human world had changed her within, even though her appearance had never altered once. It had been easy to dissociate herself from ponies, a foreign race with whom she shared no connection; but whenever she looked in the mirror, she saw one of them staring back at her.

Perhaps it was the abject patheticness of this particular wretch, or maybe it was having seen one unfortunate too many, that compelled her to action.

"Sonata!"

Paying no heed to her sisters' hissed warnings, Sonata strode over to the pale, emaciated figure of a young girl with hollow grey eyes and alabaster skin and knelt softly before her, reaching out a hand in what she hoped was a friendly gesture. Though she tried to hide it with a thick, musky cloak wrapped loosely around her shoulders, the tremor in her limbs and tight, constricted breathing was an unmistakable sign of infection. With trembling eyes, the girl stared silently back at the shrouded figure, not daring to breathe a word of response.

"Are you hungry?"

The girl paused, eyes widening in shock at the female voice, then nodded, a tiny, barely perceptible jerk of the head.

"Hold on."

Sticking out a hand behind her, she gestured towards Aria.

"Come on!"

"What?" Suddenly, her hands flew to the bag of coins around her waist. "You're joking, right?"

"There's three of us, right? Give me my third."

Aria scowled, then reluctantly loosened the bag and plucked three coins out in a tightly gloved hand. The golden disks spun through the air, catching the setting sun's glimmer for the briefest of moments before Sonata caught them and pressed them into the girl's shaking hand.

"Go."

When she merely blinked stupidly, Sonata rolled her eyes and gave her the tiniest shove. "Go on! Go and get something to eat. And don't let anyone see you with that money, okay?"

The girl nodded and slowly rose to her feet, her tremor becoming all the more pronounced as the blood rushed from her head and made her feel faint. She paused again for the briefest of moments, as if unable to believe what was happening, then took off like a shot, sprinting into a nearby crowd and vanishing into the mass of humans within.

Sonata smiled sadly after her, then rose up and re-joined her sisters. Aria utterly ignored her in disgust, while Adagio gave her a quiet, probing look.

"She won't live."

"I know."

Sonata whispered the response, surprised to find her hand reaching up and clutching at her life crystal.

"But now she doesn't have to die thinking there was nobody who cared."

Adagio looked less than impressed, pinching the brow of her nose with a sigh - a gesture she had become particularly fond of in her human form.

"We have to think about ourselves, Sonata. We don't have money to waste on... charity."

"I know. I can go hungry."

That was it; the issue settled. Grumbling to herself, Adagio turned her back and strode off, Aria and Sonata in close tow, one with a thunderous look of outrage, the other with a small, satisfied smile.

The city-state of Canterlonia could trace its history back for almost a century, maintaining its increasingly fragile and uncertain independence uneasily in these times of sickness and death. The pestilence had hit the city particularly severely, paralyzing trade, commerce and almost every aspect of daily life. Qualified doctors - or anyone who claimed to be one - were offered a position of esteem and reverence by the desperate authorities, a position which had quickly drawn the attention of the opportunistic Sirens. After centuries of wandering, odd jobs and the odd, intermittent scrape with death, the trio had relished the opportunity to settle down, if only for a few years.

Of course, certain measures had been necessary. Shorter hair, concealing cloth caps and deep, affected baritones had been enough to pass them off as recent graduates of a far-away medical school. Adagio had experimented with a false moustache, but Aria and Sonata's laughter had been enough to convince her to abandon the idea, as well as sulk for the rest of the day. Their disguises were less than convincing in the cold, revealing sunlight; nevertheless, the eager public health board had been all too willing to certify them, despite a few narrowed eyes.

Studying her haphazard, rushed haircut in a barrel of murky water, Sonata sighed and chewed her lower lip. Her hair had been one of her few human features she'd actually appreciated, and having it cut in such an ugly style rubbed her up the wrong way. She hadn't dared breathe a word of criticism of Aria's haircutting ability, afraid if she did, her sister would take the opportunity to cut her hair even shorter next time.

The house - if it was worthy of such a name - that they had rented for the past few years was little more than an architect's afterthought; crammed hastily between two larger houses in an attempt to squeeze a little extra gold out of the increasingly narrow streets and limited spaces encompassed by the mighty city walls. Still, it had been cheap; the owner, a frail, elderly man not long for this world, had offered the three doctors a steep discount for their invaluable services to the public. Aria and Sonata remembered laughing at Adagio's mocking reading of his letter of thanks before they threw it into the fireplace.

And yet, the three of them were no closer to their goal of returning home. Their slow realization that the world Star Swirl had chosen to banish them to was completely dry of any Equestrian magic had been a hammer blow to morale, with frequent arguments breaking out amongst the three of them as to the proper course of action - to wait and watch, or to seek and find. At times, it had seemed likely the group would fracture; that three would become two, with Aria actually storming off in a fury one particularly cold and hungry night, only to return a few hours later in an unusually tearful show of remorse.

Increasingly, Sonata wondered if they were ever going to return home. Had Star Swirl intended for them to be eternally banished, never to return? Had he even known of the immortality of the Sirens, of the power of their life crystals? Did he know, even in his dying moments, that the three beings he'd once banished still lurked in the dimensional mist, constantly seeking return? No matter how bleak things got, it always gave her a grim sense of satisfaction to know that, in spite of the dire circumstances she presently found herself in, Star Swirl was almost certainly dead, buried and decayed to ash by now.

A strong smell of cooking meat floated out of the window and into the courtyard, causing her stomach to groan in protest and her mouth to water. She didn't regret her actions earlier, but that didn't make her feel any less hungry.

Aria and Adagio were staring intently at a pot over the fireplace when she returned, and barely even glanced upwards at their sister's appearance, save for a blunt acknowledgement from Aria.

"Hey."

"Hey."

Sonata sighed and collapsed into the sole precious chair they owned that could meet an abstract definition of comfortable. Inside, the smell was almost unbearable, but she refused to buckle, digging her nails into the arms of her seat in an attempt to control herself.

"Do you think we'll have much luck tomorrow?"

She didn't care what the answer was. She just wanted to distract herself. Adagio, on the other hand, seemed gloomy.

"No chance. The Grand Duke is supposed to be returning from the Empire tomorrow, I overheard two guards talking about it. They'll be keeping the streets clean of anyone who even looks like they've got the disease. No infected, no business, for a few days at least." She chuckled darkly. "Hope your charity was worth it."

Sonata blanched and gripped her stomach. She hated to admit it, but she might have been more conservative with her spending if she'd known that.

"How come he's back so soon?" Aria muttered, prodding the pot and quickly withdrawing her hand with a hiss of pain. "Damn it! War come to an end early?"

"Maybe?" Adagio shrugged. "If it has, it's not good for him - or us. The city bank was making a lot of money financing both sides."

"Maybe he's ill." Sonata murmured, staring at the black web of mould that had been consuming the ceiling for the past month. "Coming home so they can stick leeches on him or hack off his foot."

"Nah." Aria shook her head. "He's got a personal physician, they wouldn't drag him back here if he was sick."

"Oh yeah?" Sonata shot back, her irritable hunger getting the better of her. "What do you know, Aria? I bet that's it. He's got the plague and he's come home sick."

"Yeah?" Aria shot back. "What do you bet?"

"I... I bet you... the... uh... the rest of your gold!"

"Yeah?" Aria snapped. "In return for... what?"

"For... for..." Sonata swore. "I don't know."

"I know."

"What?"

"If you're wrong, you have to let me shave you bald."

"What?!" Sonata's hands instinctively flew to her head as Adagio burst into cackles.

"Don't think I can't hear you and Adagio talking shit about my haircuts behind my back!"

"Yeah?" Sonata snapped. "Fine! You're on. We'll see who's laughing tomorrow when you're scraping that mould off the ceiling for dinner!"

"Whatever." Aria rolled her eyes and turned her attention back to the simmering pot. Sonata huffed and turned her back, the only sounds now filling the room being a quiet bubbling noise and Adagio's poorly stifled giggles.

The furious squealing of an exhausted horse and the clattering of spurs against the cold stone ground signalled the courier's arrival. The door to the workshop creaked open a fraction, allowing a thin slice of moonlight to cut through the doorway and illuminate a single pale blue eye that peaked out from behind it.

"Hello?"

The courier slowly approached, stooped in a peculiar bow.

"I'm looking to borrow a lantern."

The tension evaporated and the shrouded figure visibly relaxed at the password. The door opened wider and he stepped back, allowing the message-bearer entry. Together, the pair descended into the bowels of the building, arriving at opposite ends of a thin workbench.

"Let me see."

There was a quiet rustling of paper as the scroll changed palms. A set of trembling gloved hands slowly unrolled it and scanned the contents, eyes widening in a shock their owner did not bother to disguise.

"Can you confirm this?"

The courier hesitated, then nodded. She was old by the standards of her profession, approaching her fiftieth year, something she found enabled her to easily blend into any crowd with minimal suspicion. She had seen plenty of underhand dealings in her time, and knew better than most that it wasn't wise to take sides. The truth was always the best policy.

"I saw for myself. There's no doubting it."

The shrouded figure studied her for a moment before cursing and slamming the paper scroll back onto the table.

"Perfect. Oh, this is the last thing I needed..."

Muttering to himself, he collapsed into a nearby chair and sunk his head into his hands. Against her better judgement, the courier approached cautiously.

"If there's nothing else, I should take my leave - "

"Wait." The single word was strained. "I... I must write a letter. To a confidante of mine. I trust you are able to make another delivery?"

"If the gold is - "

There was a clattering of metal on wood as the figure threw a handful of coins onto the table surface before bending over a scrap of paper and beginning to scribble.

"Here." The page, ink still wet, was thrust into her hand with a coarse roughness. "Deliver that to the Prosper household. It's absolutely essential Silver Prosper sees this before the Duke returns. I don't care if you have to break in, make sure he sees it before tomorrow morning. Tell him it's from me, he'll understand."

"Of course." She coughed, and passed the paper back. "I'll need your seal."

The figure blinked once, stupefied, then shook his head.

"Oh... of course. My apologies."

Morning arrived, with it the hated morning sun that struck across the three Siren's faces in unison and produced three simultaneous, echoing groans, followed by a flurry of movement as each tried to bury themselves beneath their blankets to escape the burning daylight.

Grumbling and whining to themselves, the trio slowly dragged themselves from their beds and staggered over to the bucket of fresh water they had hauled upstairs last night. Sonata was fortunate enough to be first this morning, the clean water wonderfully wakening against her face as she forced her head underneath. She'd give anything to be able to dive in the oceans of Equestria again, but under her present circumstances, this was as good as it got.

Staggering away and shaking her head to clear as much water out of her matted locks as she could, she absent-mindedly wandered over to the window and stared through blurry, water-logged eyes as the street below. Even through her half-vision, she could see the streets were indeed deserted, and felt her heart sink. Even if there were customers out there, the increased guard would make detection too likely. Her stomach roared in protest as she realized it would be a good few days until she could eat.

Unless...

"HEY!"

Her sisters winced at the roar as Sonata leaned as far out of the window as she dared and waved frantically at the closest guard.

"HEY! MISTER GUARD! UP HERE!"

The guard in question, a fresh-faced recruit more boy than man, lifted his metal face visor to try and detect the source of the hollering voice, features burning bright red when he clocked a girl dressed in a loose nightshirt leaning out of the window and waving manically at him.

"M - miss!? Is... was... that you?"

"No, the window above me! Of course it's me! Has the Grand Duke returned yet?"

"He... he has - wait - how did you - "

"Thanks!"

Falling away from the window with a whoop, Sonata dived under her bed and emerged seconds later with her doctor's uniform.

"'dagi! Ari! Get your butts ready, we're going to the Grand Duke's palace!"

"What?" Both of her sisters replied at the same time, causing them to jump in surprise.

"Remember our bet?" Sonata's voice was slightly muffled by the thick robe falling over her head. "Not gonna chicken out now, are you?"

Aria snorted. "You wish."

A sloshing sound filled the room as she quickly dunked her head in the pail and withdrew it, shaking violently and spraying droplets of water in every direction, much to Adagio's audible disgust.

Ten minutes later, three individuals dressed in matching cloak and mask stepped onto the street, their half-concealed eyes scanning their surrounding eagerly. One of them, wielding a commanding presence that unmistakably marked her out as a leader, stepped forwards with a beckoning gesture, and the trio set off through the deserted streets. A few guards shot suspicious glances their way, but none of them challenged the three doctors.

The three of them knew the city's roads in and out, each street, alley and bridge as familiar as the network of thin veins on the backs of their hands. The city had been carefully constructed around its seed nucleus, the River Palace, so that every main road lead directly to it, offering it unparalleled prominence and exaltation beyond even that its magnificent architecture and imposing height already bequeathed to it. The seat of the Grand Duke for almost a century, it loomed before them, the morning sun shining beautifully off the white and gold marble bricks.

As the three surgeons approached the main gate, two hulking guards stepped forwards, looks of unease on their faces.

"Can we help you?"

Adagio tilted her head up to make direct eye contact with the taller, more authoritative-looking of the pair. When she spoke, her voice was harsh and rough, lower in pitch and grunted from the bottom of her throat.

"We're here to offer our services to the Grand Duke."

The taller of the pair frowned.

"How did you - it doesn't matter. The Grand Duke isn't in a condition to entertain visitors. I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave."

Adagio rolled her eyes and beckoned her sisters forwards.

"Fine. We'll do it the hard way."

What the duo had in muscle and size they lacked in willpower, falling under the Siren's song in less than twenty seconds even. At Adagio's barked command, they slumped back into their posts and collapsed against the wall, glassy-eyed and drooling slightly. Sonata knelt in front of the smaller of the pair and slapped him lightly on the cheek.

"Wake up!"

The guard groaned and stared blearily at her, blinking rapidly.

"Where's the Grand Duke? Why's he back so soon?"

"Sick..."

"What?"

"Sick... plague..."

Sonata punched the air as the guard collapsed into a heap, pulling her mask up to stick her tongue out at a furious-looking Aria.

"Hah! I win!"

"Lucky guess." She glanced over her shoulder, desperate to play it cool. "We should get going before someone spots us."

"Wait." Adagio muttered, staring at the palace. "Let's go in."

"Are you crazy? Do you want to get us - "

"The Duke's sick." Adagio cut across her. "Really sick. Think! We're not going to get much business for the next week - the next week at best. What's the harm in offering our services where they're really needed?"

"Except out services don't do anything, Adagio. Besides, he has his own private doctor. He's not going to hire us."

"It doesn't matter. All we have to do is convince him to let us try, just once, and he'll be ours."

"Or he'll have us hung with witchcraft." Aria glanced around once again, nervously this time. "Look, let's just go, all right? Adagio!"

Ignoring her sister's protest, Adagio swept away from her and towards the palace. Sonata dithered for the briefest of moments, then ran after her. Aria jumped up and down on the spot, then swore and rushed after them.

"And breathe out, your Grace."

Coughing and spluttering, the Grand Duke slowly and painfully exhaled, his chest falling with a slow, juddering motion. Tiny drops of blood flew from his dried lips as the last of the air left his lungs, flying through the air and landing on the beak of his personal physician. From every surface the room possessed stood burning bowls of herbs and flowers, filling the air with a thick, pungent, suffocating smoke.

Across the room, through the fumes and standing as far away as the walls would permit, stood two men; one older and thick-set, the other young, tall and thin, with sharp, amber eyes. Both of them supervised the scene unfolding before them with considerable anxiety.

"Could you hold your arm out for me, your Grace?"

A shaking appendage rose into the air. The physician slowly wrapped his fingers around the Duke's wrist, his frown deepening at the feeble, irregular pulse.

"Thank you. Would you excuse me for a moment?"

Rising to his feet, the surgeon turned to face the pair and stepped closer so that his words could not be heard by the Grand Duke.

"The pestilence. A most severe case. I'm sorry."

The younger man nodded, biting his index finger in a mix of frustration and anger.

"What do you recommend?"

"I will do all I can, but I fear you may be better arranging a meeting with a holy man."

The older man coughed lightly, drawing the surgeon's attention.

"My brother is a strong man. I have faith he will pull through this - but in case he doesn't... did he entrust you with a will or testament?"

"As a matter of fact, he did, but as his executor, I cannot disclose the contents until his passing."

"There will be time for that later, uncle." The young man sounded displeased. "Right now, I want my father to receive the best care possible."

"Sir, I assure you, I will do everything in my power - "

"Not enough. My family has paid for your services loyally for the past seven years. I want proof this money is being well-invested. If my father is to die, it will be after you have exhausted all medical knowledge known to man on his treatment. If not, you will find yourself in a most uncomfortable position." Something murderous floated into his pupils. "I hope you understand."

"Of course, Sir." There was a new edge to the surgeon's voice, an edge tainted by obvious fear. "I'll... get right to it."

"Calm yourself." The older man muttered as the surgeon turned his back. "I know you're upset, but you must understand. Sometimes, this is the way things must be - "

He was cut off by his nephew pushing past him and bursting out of the room, the thick wooden doors slamming behind him in his rage. Sighing, he approached the bedsit, his eyes widening and his legs weakening under him slightly as he saw the pitiful condition his older brother was in. His eyes were coated in dried blood, his body consumed by vicious, angry sores, and his once thick head of hair was a tattered, thinning remnant of what it had once been.

"Oh, Star Spirit." His voice thickened. "May the heavens have mercy on you, my brother."

In response, the Duke merely groaned, a mix of agony and sorrow.

"Save your strength. You'll pull through this. I know you will. You... you must."

"Doctor?"

The fleeting moment of serenity was interrupted by a soft knocking on the door. The surgeon's eyes flickered upwards.

"Come in."

A woman in a thin surgeon's mask and plain dress stepped in, deliberately averting her gaze from the pitiful husk of a man lying in the bed.

"There... there's three physicians here. They say they've heard of the Duke's... condition... and wish to assist you."

"What?" The doctor rose to his feet, an obvious undercurrent of annoyance. "Damn it all to... Are there any secrets in this city?"

"Should - should I send them away?"

The doctor paused, then shook his head.

"Send them in. The last thing I need is the Duke-to-be hearing about me sending away medical help. Maybe they can change his bedpan. Where are they?"

"Right here, sir..."

The three Sirens filed into the room silently, eyes gazing dispassionately through their masks at the scene in front of them. Unimpressed, the doctor stepped towards them, wiping his hands on his cloak.

"Well, I need a break. I trust you three are certified by the board?"

The three figured nodded in unison.

"Hmph. I'd ask for proof, but they're handwaving anyone in these days. Keep an eye on him, and just... try to make yourselves useful."

Sweeping from the room, the Sirens found themselves alone with the dying Duke and his brother, who gave them a kindly smile as they approached.

"I hope you're not offended. Cloud Vial is a most talented doctor, but unfortunately he's not known for his patience. I appreciate your assistance, nonetheless."

"No problem." Aria muttered, feigning as masculine a voice as she could muster. "It's true, then? The Duke has..."

The man sighed and cast his eyes down to his brother.

"Yes. It's true. I'm sorry, I should introduce myself. My name is Moon Spirit. I'm the Duke's brother. I doubt you've heard of me; our family is... quite private."

Adagio bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "I'm sorry for your brother's situation. Rest assured, we'll do all that we can to alleviate his symptoms."

"Thank you. I pray for his recovery, of course, but I confess I fear his situation is hopeless." Something grim entered his eyes. "I had hoped this day would not come for many years, but it seems his son is soon to inherit the duchy."

"The Duke has a son?" Adagio replied, placing a cooled cloth on the Duke's forehead carefully.

"Unfortunately." He coughed. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't speak out of turn. Solar Spirit, he's... well, he's... spirited. I fear he lacks the right temperament for power." Suddenly he stiffened, as if catching himself. "But I shouldn't bore you with such matters." He rose to his feet.

"Once more, thank you for your assistance. I'll make sure you are well-compensated for your help. If you'll excuse me, I have some pressing issues that demand my attention. I'll make sure you're not left alone with my brother for too long."

The Sirens merely nodded in response, waiting until Moon Spirit had cleared the room before they dared begin talking under their breath over the comatose Duke.

"Well, you got what you wanted, Adagio. You want to try putting him under a spell now?" Aria hissed, every word dripping with sarcasm.

"How was I supposed to know he'd be this ill?" Adagio snapped back. "Just look at him, he won't make it through the night." She growled in frustration. "At least we're getting paid."

"Uh... girls?" Sonata muttered.

"Paid what? Oh, sure, maybe five gold pieces, a fuck-you-very-much, and how about you tell us how you found out the Duke was ill or we'll start pulling your fingernails out until you feel like talking? You know what? I say we bolt. I bet we could make it out of that window over there..."

"Girls?"

"Oh, shut up, Aria. You always think you know everything, don't you? Well guess what, you don't. I'm the oldest, and I say we're staying put and milking this for all it's worth."

"Oh, what, did mom put you in charge? Bite me. I'm getting out of here right now, and there's not a damn thing you can do to stop me."

"Girls!"

"What?!" Aria and Adagio bellowed together, turning to glare at Sonata, who was holding the Duke's wrist between her fingers. In response, she raised an eyebrow and lifted the limp appendage into the air.

"He's dead."

"I'm so sorry for your loss, your Grace."

Solar Spirit was turned away from the four doctors, staring silently out of a window. He didn't shake, or tremble. There was no external sign of emotion at all. Beside him, Moon Spirit was staring at his hands, looking numb.

"I did not expect his condition to decline so suddenly. If I'd known... I assure you, I would never have knowingly allowed you to be parted from your father's deathbed."

"I see."

When Solar Spirit did not elaborate on his curt statement, Moon Spirit spoke up.

"I understand. You did all you could... all of you. We are grateful for your help. It is... it is just all so sudden."

"Yes..." Cloud Vial brushed off Moon Spirit's commentary, his eyes fixed resolutely on the new Grand Duke. "Your Grace, if you would like, I can bring your father's last will and testament here. It may prove invaluable in setting up your new reign."

"I think that would be a good idea. Go and deliver them to my quarters. I'll take a look this evening."

Cloud Vial bowed and turned to leave, only to freeze in his steps as Solar Spirit spoke once more.

"And once you've delivered it, you are to leave the grounds and never return."

"Y-your Grace?"

"I have no need for a physician who cannot identify when one of their patients is on the precipice of death." He turned slowly on the spot, his handsome face twisted by obvious disgust. "These three gentlemen did more for my father in his final moments than you with your decades of experience could manage. Did you really believe I would allow myself to be subjected to your care? I think not."

Cloud Vial shook slightly on the spot, then composed himself.

"I am sorry to hear that, your Grace, but your wish is your own. I hope you will change your mind."

"I won't."

The doctor's expression soured and he swept the room with a violent stomp in his step. Sighing, Solar Spirit stepped closer to the three sirens, his expression stabilizing into one of puzzlement.

"Why are you still wearing those awful outfits? I assure you, none of us are infected."

The Sirens glanced at each other before Adagio responded.

"No reason. Just... professionalism."

"I see." He paused, then apparently decided not to press the issue. "It appears a spot has opened in my court for a personal physician. I'll have time to make a proper selection in the coming weeks, but for now, I'd like to extend the offer to you three. I trust I can rely on you."

More glances, this time filled with glee.

"Of course, your Grace. We are here to serve you."

"Excellent. Which of you is the head physician?"

Adagio stepped forwards before Aria could open her mouth.

"I am."

"Oh, for - I feel ridiculous talking to you like this. Take off that damned mask, will you?"

Adagio hesitated, then rolled her eyes and slowly pulled the mask up, dark purple eyes blinking as they adjusted to the sudden brightness.

"That's - "

Solar Spirit stared at her for a moment, stumbling over his words as his eyes narrowed. Adagio braced for his outburst - which never came.

"Ah... that's... good. How should I address you?"

"Adagio Dazzle." Adagio pointed at her two sisters, naming them in succession. "These are my colleagues, Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze."

"Curious names. Are you from afar?"

"From the Crystal Federation. Well, originally." The lie was well-practiced, well-rehearsed, and technically not untrue.

"Ah. Well travelled, then. Uncle, you visited the Crystal Federation in your youth, I believe?"

Moon Spirit stirred slightly from his sombre daze. "I... Uh, I mean, yes. Yes, I... spent some time there." He looked too miserable at the passing of his brother to make the small talk that seemed to flow so easily from his nephew.

"Well, I've heard enough. Adagio, tell your subordinates to leave your names with my secretary. I'll make sure your first payment is ready to collect by the time you leave. In the meanwhile, I'd like to show you to your new surgery."

Adagio glanced back at her sisters before nodding slowly.

"I... I suppose I have time. Lead the way."

Solar Spirit swept from the room, Adagio in close tow. As Sonata and Aria moved to leave, they were slowed by Moon Spirit deliberately clearing his throat. Both of them paused and slowly turned to face him, surprised to see him smiling knowingly.

"I hope you don't mind, but I have a small favour to ask." He gestured towards two empty seats opposite him. "Please, take a seat."

Aria and Sonata dutifully obeyed, seating themselves opposite Moon Spirit, who sighed and began to twiddle his fingers together.

"How shall I put this pleasantly enough?" He stroked his short beard. "It's a good act. Very impressive. But you ladies aren't dealing with illiterate, diseased peasants any more."

Aria and Sonata exchanged glances, but before they could start singing, Moon Spirit held up a hand.

"I'm not looking to get you in trouble. You've clearly got a knack for your trade, better than many men of medicine I've had the misfortune to meet. I'm sure you'll take excellent care of my nephew. But it's his... care... that I wished to discuss."

He sighed and continued to twiddle his fingers, this time more aggressively.

"I mentioned his temperament earlier. But perhaps I did not do my concerns justice. My nephew is a man with little concern for the common good. He has always felt his father was too soft on the suffering unfortunates that line our sorry streets. I fear he is, already, plotting harsher measures than ever before against those in need."

"It may well be the case, of course, that he is right. That his actions will reduce long-term suffering. But I cannot abide such inhuman utilitarianism. Compassion was never my brother's strong suit, but I know, in his heart, he was fair and just. I cannot say the same for his son."

"How... how does this affect us, precisely?" Aria cut in. Moon Spirit chuckled.

"Straight to the point, I see. Very well. I learned of my brother's diagnosis last night, before he and my nephew had returned. Those precious hours were not wasted. I have spoken to a handful of influential figures within the city. I believe I can, at best, postpone my nephew's coronation by a few days. That will give me time to figure out a more... permanent solution."

"Permanent?" Sonata queried.

"I don't intend to harm him. Not unless I have no other choice. But I firmly believe he can be made to see reason. I can arrange for a thousand roadblocks to fall before him, and force him to concede that a more... experienced candidate would be a better choice as Grand Duke. Someone like myself."

"That's pretty optimistic." Aria deadpanned. "You really think he's going to roll aside for you to take his place?"

More chuckles. "I am old, unmarried. The duchy will soon be his one way or another. Time, I feel, will temper his sentiments. Give him, say, ten years to learn how a true ruler should lead."

"And what do you want us to do?"

"Most likely nothing. But if I ask, I expect you to jump."

"And if we refuse?" Aria's eyes narrowed.

"I won't threaten you into compliance. Of course, should you go running to my nephew with this information... well, you have your secret, as I have mine." Something icy entered his eyes. "I hope I make myself clear."

Aria stared back, then cursed.

"Crystal clear."

"...and this is the on-site apothecary. I trust you have experience with most medicinal herbs, but if not, my household's library should keep you abreast of information. Have a word with Fine Script if you want to borrow anything, but take good care of them when they're in your possession. Some of them are worth ten times as much as you."

"Of course." Adagio murmured, injecting as much sneer into her voice as she dared. She hadn't read a single book of medicine in her life, but she saw no reason to trouble her new employer with that information. Running a finger across a surface, she let out a low whistle at the amount of dust that coagulated around her finger. "This place doesn't look like it saw much use."

"Cloud Vial has spent much of the past year away from Canterlonia tending to my - to my - my father's needs." His cold, aloof demeanour fractured slightly at the mention of his father. He opened his mouth momentarily, as if he intended to continue, but no further words came. Adagio shuffled awkwardly on the spot, silently praying he wouldn't start crying.

"I'm so sorry about your father. I... I lost my mother when I was young. I understand what it's like."

"Did you?" Solar Spirit looked directly into her eyes with appraisal. "It... it is... God, it's awful. No matter how long you know it's coming..."

"...it's always sudden." Adagio finished. Suddenly, she felt herself wracked with an unbearably weight of melancholy. "My mother, she... I knew it was coming for a long time. But when it actually happened, and I was stuck looking after my younger sisters, there was nothing that could have prepared me for that. But it only gets easier. I promise."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but remember her mother, the infinite warmth and depth within her eyes, how safe and secure she had felt with her nearby. How agonizingly glacial it had been, watching her slowly fade away, giving the last of her strength to feed her daughters in hope they might live. The day she and her sisters had awoken to find her no more, and been thrown into that cold, unforgiving world.

Across the room, Solar Spirit nodded, a look of determined resolution on his features.

"Did he... did he say anything? In his... his last moments, I mean?"

Adagio shook her head. "He wasn't in any condition to talk. It was quiet. Peaceful."

The Duke nodded, seeming to draw some strength and comfort from the news.

"I'm glad to hear it. This... this affliction, it can leave its sufferers in the most intolerable misery before death. That is... it is the last thing I would have wanted." He sighed. "I would give anything to restore my father to life and health, but now that I am Duke, I will at least be able to implement my vision for combating this disease."

"And... what would that be?"

"Where to begin? There can be no entry to the city, not even for merchants or envoys. The belongings of those who die from the pestilence will be destroyed, of course - including my father's. The infected will no longer be allowed to remain within the city limits, putrefying and spreading their sickness. They must all be exiled."

"Sounds... harsh." Adagio responded measuredly.

"My father agreed. I tried to make him see reason, but he never understood. He would rather this city rot and fester than take decisive action. In my opinion, he placed too much stock in the opinion of... doctors. But what interest do they have in public health? They profiteer off this plague the most. If this city were clean, the demand for their services would vanish."

"For my services, too."

A moment of silence fell between the pair of them, before Solar Spirit snorted with laughter.

"A good point. I should really choose my audiences more carefully. Still, there's just... something off about you. You are unlike any doctor I've ever met. Certainly much younger. Perhaps they train their doctors differently where you're from."

"Maybe." Adagio muttered, wishing the conversation would take a different course. "Anyway, you should probably save talking politics for your advisors."

"Politics." The sneer was back in his voice. "Oh, this city is going to see a very different style of politics soon, trust me." He glanced around the workshop. "Well, that's about it. Unless you have any questions, of course."

"Not in particular."

"Then we're done." He paused. "Thank you."

"Please, I'm glad to have the work - "

"I meant, thank you for what you said earlier." His voice was quieter. "About loss. I can tell it wasn't easy. Your sisters, wherever they are, were lucky to have you."

"Oh. Thanks."

An awkward silence fell over the pair of them, broken by Solar Spirit's sigh.

"Can we cut the crap? I know you're - you know."

Adagio considered denying it, but eventually scowled and threw back her hood.

"Do we have a problem?"

"No. You actually had me fooled for a while there, and I can't imagine it takes much to trick some poor soul who's brain is so rotted it's practically falling out of his ears. I assume the other two..." He gestured pointedly.

"Yeah."

"Well, it's none of my concern either way. You couldn't do a worse job than that cretin under whose care my father had the misfortune to pass away. Just keep a low profile. If you're found out, I won't be able to make any special allowances."

"Great." Adagio muttered, scuffing the floor with her shoe. "Anything else?"

"Not at all. You're free to leave."

The three Sirens left the property with conflicted expressions on their faces, the guards stationed at the gate parting unceremoniously to let them pass, apparently peacefully oblivious to the events of just a few hours passed. As soon as they were comfortably out of earshot, they huddled in a circle and began to mutter, each of their eyes widening as they learned what had transpired in their brief period of separation.

"Can't believe both of them saw right through us." Aria grumbled. "Damn it. Here I thought we were so slick."

"It doesn't matter." Sonata chirped up. "What are we going to do about Moon Spirit?"

"We should play along." Aria replied instantly. "I don't want to get on his bad side. Besides, he said it himself. He might not even ask anything of us."

"I don't know." Adagio interjected. "I thought we wanted someone we could control as Duke. Solar Spirit fits that bill better than his uncle. I think we should back him."

Aria nodded in consideration. Beside her, Sonata looked outraged.

"Are you crazy? You said it yourself, he's nuts! He wants to butcher half this city, just to... to... what?! Does he really think that'll do anything?"

"Who cares?" Adagio shot back. "They're only human, Sonata. We need someone we can influence in the top spot."

"They're people, 'dagi!"

"Well, how do you know his way isn't better?" Adagio countered. "Isn't it worth trying?"

"Enough." Aria cut across the pair of them. "Adagio, what makes you think Sun Spirit or whatever his name is would be a better pick for us?"

"He's... I don't know, I can just tell he'd be easier to control. As soon as he's on the throne, we put him under our spell, and we've got this whole city eating out of the palms of our hands."

"You can just tell?" Sonata replied sarcastically. "He sounds pretty strong-willed to me. That old dude would be a much easier mark."

"And for how long?" Adagio countered. "He said himself he was going to drop in a few years."

"He - fuck you! I'm not helping you put that psycho in charge!"

"Fine. I only need one of you anyway." She turned to Aria. "Well?"

"I... I don't want to take sides here. We should make a decision together." She glanced upwards. "It's getting dark. We should get moving." She shook the hefty bag of gold she had collected before departure. "The market will close in a few hours. Unless you two feel like going hungry tonight, of course."

Adagio and Sonata shot bolts of lightning in each other's direction, but relented. The three sisters broke apart and set off, two tempers simmering with equal ferocity.

"Who - oh. Good evening, uncle."

"Good evening? I wish I could agree."

Moon Spirit sighed and sank into a deep violet canapé resting against the wall. His eyes, dark and wrinkled, studied his nephew with interest. The young man was sat in front of a desk, upon which rested a torn envelope, whose contents were spilled across the desk.

"Have you... read it?"

"I have." He sighed. "It shouldn't come as a shock that he named me his successor."

"It doesn't."

Solar Spirit tapped his fingers against the desk. He studied his uncle back with equal interest.

"He left a letter. It was addressed to you." He slid a thin white envelope across the table. "I understand if you'd rather read it in privacy."

"Not at all." Rising from his seat, he strode across the room and tore the envelope open across the top. Raising the letter to eye level, he squinted in the candlelight and began to read.

My dearest brother.

I hope my passing has not taken too great a toll upon you. Rest assured, though my body may lie cold and lifeless, my soul is freed to move beyond the shackles of this earth. I know not to where I am headed, only that I will see you there again, someday.

But my city, my beloved citadel, must come before mourning. I have entrusted my dear son with the future, but I would like to request you keep a careful, close watch over his rule. Though he has grown into a fine young man, the guiding hand of an outstanding leader such as yourself will be a gift to both him and his city. I hope he will cherish your advice the same way I did.

May the heavens guide you.

Your brother,

Star Spirit.

Moon Spirit fell silent. In front of him, Solar Spirit sighed.

"I suppose I shouldn't have expected any different. Of course, your advice and input will be cherished, uncle." He stretched his arms above his head and yawned. "The hour grows late. Would you mind giving me some quiet?"

"Of course."

The letter slipped into his pocket as he left the room, closing the door quietly behind him, the words of the final paragraph that he hadn't dared read out loud still burning into his brain.

Though I love him with all my heart, should my son prove unsuited - or, heaven prohibit, uncontrollable - my Captain of the Guard, Steel Shield, should assist you in setting affairs right. I urge you to think carefully about this option, lest it tear our proud family in two - but I trust you will use it with the wisdom and judgement I have come to know you for.

Have courage in faith, brother.

As he dared a glance out of the window, he could have sworn the mighty starry tessellation of the heavens was somehow dimmer than ever before.