mist, reflecting myriad images. Each companion saw themselves.

Theo stood on the snout of the sea serpent. He held a long, curved scimitar and cut the eyes from the beast. It screamed in pain. He knew his old cutlass disappeared from his hand in an instant replaced with The Sword that Knows. An ancient Arabian blade that seeks the weaknesses of man and monster. The sea serpent of the Mediterranean bled from its eyes. Theo climbed over the frills of its neck and hacked and chopped its neck to bone and threads of scales. The beast had no heart to reap.

Silvia rode a dragon. She was older, much older, and sad. Silvia always thought that day brought joy. She flew across the sky over cities that poured smoke inshone. They traced their steps and paddled back to the Americas. Silvia parted their company in Florida. She knew the sea serpent wasn't her prize to take. Theo shook her hand. Buttons bowed. Silvia bowed in return. Theo killed the sea serpent, with his friend’s help. They stole a warship from the British empire and christened her in honor of their lost crewmates. They never forgot their year in the cabin. How could they fear death after imprisonment amongst the Baba Yaga’s dolls? Silvia locked herself under the Tower of London. She stared for decades at the burning feather.

Dolls. They were everywhere. Cotton dolls, linen dolls, china dolls. Everything was a doll. The cabinets had faces like childish Green Men. A steel baby with an open mouth five