"They're a group of religious fanatics who've been trying to control the zhirelin since pretty much ever," says Emma, her voice sardonic and a little thin with distaste.

"They're going to tell you that women like you are called Vampire Slayers, or just Slayers, and that your abilities come with a sacred destiny. They talk a lot about destiny. And duty, that's another favorite. And what that particular pile of crap boils down to is that they think they have the god-given right to use your power to kill their enemies."