Reyn landed yelling in mud that had been mixed with blood so long it had forgotten which was which.

  The battlefield stretched beyond horizons, a geography of violence that had become its own ecosystem. Two armies crashed against each other in waves, their original causes lost to time and repetition. Banners bore symbols no one could read. Warriors fought in armor styles spanning centuries, as if reinforcements had been arriving from different eras and no one had bothered to update the equipment.

  Both sides saw Reyn appear and reached the same conclusion: enemy reinforcement. It was obvious that there was little point in reasoning and explanation, so Reyn caught her breath, dusted off the dirt on her new pants, and drew Good Deeds.

  At least this is a language I know, she thought as the armies approached from opposite sides. She couldn't help but smile just a little.

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  Reyn moved through the initial charge like a scythe through wheat. Good Deeds sang its deadly song, parting armor and flesh with equal ease. A spear thrust; she sidestepped and removed the arm holding it. A sword swept toward her neck; she ducked and opened the attacker from hip to shoulder.

  The Rage built in her, pure and violent. Not the controlled burn from the Temple, but something more primal, more instinct. These weren't giant rats. These were people trying to kill her, and her body responded with joyous violence. She welcomed the Rage, feeling her focus narrowing.

  She carved a path through the battle, searching for escape while leaving a trail of severed limbs and opened throats. Blood painted her new leather pants. Good Deeds grew slick with gore.

  A man's head separated from his shoulders in a fountain of arterial spray. Another fell holding intestines that had suddenly decided to explore the outside world. She moved through them like a natural disaster, unstoppable and impersonal.

  Suddenly, a warhammer filled her vision, its head the size of her torso. No time to dodge. No room to parry.

  The portal opened just as metal met flesh.