13
Within a minute of the call ending, perhaps less, a section of reality about ten feet away from them began swirling like a two-dimensional whirlpool. The swirling intensified until motes of light began winking within the swirls. Fifteen people—seven men and eight women—stepped out of the effect, before it vanished as if it had never been. They marched straight to Vicki, clapped their fists to their chests, and bowed their heads.
“Lady Victoria,” the man closest to her said, “we stand ready to serve you.”
There were times in the past Vicki had longed to hear those words. Times she looked upon their treatment of her grandmother with envy. But she knew now what that treatment cost. Blood at least, if not lives. She wasn’t sure the price was worth the accolades.
“Thank you. Please take
