Undying Empire: B3 — 23. A Bizarre Twist (Patreon)

1.  Elinor (Our Lich Empress!)

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Taking the runic vehicle to the mines, Elinor exited the tunnels and went to Noa’s Network; she met the crescent-eyed woman with the two Nalvean girls sent to keep the A.I. company.

Having pity on Fini’s utterly bored friend, Elinor sent Giliri to the Maw to receive a report from Angélica, the ex-Colombian military Maid that had been tasked to observe its changes; the bluish-green scaled Nalvean pounced at the opportunity to explore the Empire’s land and to get away from the endless corridors.

Watching Giliri vanish in the swirl of symbols as the A.I. transported her to an exit, Elinor’s focus went to Noa with a smile.  “As it would seem, your ability to help manage Nethermore will soon become a reality.”

Fini’s blue eyes brightened.  “Really, Empress?  That’s wonderful news!  Right, Noa?”

The dark-skinned woman couldn’t speak for a moment, zoning out as if checking to see if she’d heard her correctly.  “I can … go beyond these walls?  B-Be a citizen of your Empire?”

A soft smile came to Theresa’s lips as she stepped forward to respond.  “Has not the Empress informed you that citizenship is already yours to claim, Noa; is it not disrespectful to forget such an honor of being welcomed by the ruler in person?”

“N-No, I—umm, my apologies, Empress!”  Noa blustered, earnestly bowing her head.  “I’m just—I’m a little shocked for it to come so soon!”

“Hehe, it is of no concern, Noa, but what Theresa has stated is correct,” Elinor reinforced, catching Ramuk’s tight jaw.  “However, there is still much work to be done in cataloging this place.  My immediate relief in this endeavor is that I will not need to keep making these long trips to reach you.”

“I-I am so sorry for the trouble, Empress!”

Fini’s tongue slid through her teeth while glancing at Theresa and Elinor.  “Noa, the Empress doesn’t seem to like you apologizing so much—you’re supposed to be proud; she came here because she believes you are an important part of the Empire.”

“Really?”  Noa pulled back her long black locks while rising, glowing highlights brightening as she smiled and blushed.  “Thank you, Empress … I’m still getting used to how you operate.”

“Take your time; change doesn’t happen overnight,” Elinor commented.  “Now, our top priority is to return to the Sages’ old recreational area and find more to aid Quel.  As of right now, I have been quoted three days on the bridge between his Power Station and Nethermore; if we find more Sages, that time will be cut drastically.”

“I will do my best, Empress; I have been slowly moving throughout the structure, but it is slow—I suspect it may actually be roughly a quarter of the size of Nethermore itself—at least from the data I had on the Ke’s—ehrm, your city, Empress.”

Elinor nodded, knowing it would take some time for Noa to fully integrate into her new lifestyle since she didn’t have the added benefit of being linked to her Nexus.  “It may seem tedious in this second, but that news is fantastic; we have another stronghold hidden away in case of emergencies, and there is so much to discover.”

“Indeed!  Is there anywhere you’d like for me to redirect my attention to?”

“No, I merely wish to be nearby when we do find more corpses; I cannot imagine they’d get away from a virus that killed Quel so swiftly.  It’s only a matter of time until more are brought to light … Until then, take me to the outside cultivating area we saw when we first arrived.  You and Fini can continue the search together if you enjoy her company.”

“Very much so!”  Noa chuckled, turning to the grinning Nalvean girl.  “She’s been an appreciated companion compared to the solitude I was in for so long … Finila has taught me so much regarding her people.”

“I told you, you can call me Fini like Giliri does,” the girl mumbled.

“Yes, well, hehe, would you blame me if I said I enjoy your full name more?  It is so exotic and mysterious.”

“Eh, if you say so…”

Runes surrounded them as Noa teleported them to their own destinations, and when the lights cleared, the pair were gone, replaced by a thin veil of snow above thriving greenery.

Amra’Cora and Camellia swiftly took the lead as various unusual creatures scattered on their arrival.  Swapping her crossed legs, Elinor leaned against the opposite side of her silken throne while scanning the field that, like every Quen’Talrat creation she’d seen thus far, was beyond colossal in scale.

Still, she had to admire the craftsmanship of the gorilla race; it truly made for an excellent inheritance that screamed of grandeur no matter where the eye drifted.  If she were to have instructed the construction of an Empire, sure, it would be big, but not nearly to the momentous scale Ke’Thra’Ma had gone.

Her Thélméthra throne lowered itself for Elinor to rise from her seat, and the guards surrounding her took notice of the action as she stepped down the spider’s extended legs, assisting her like steps.

Boots touching the vibrant green grass, she scanned the strategically placed trees that towered into the sky over a hundred meters; as she watched, a few fruits from their high branches fell to the rich ground, and by the looks of the free-grazing animals that lived on the platform, they fed on the various styles of vegetation, which appeared to provide a complete diet for them.

It was a little strange seeing dinosaur-sized creatures fleeing them, hosting bushy fur or armored plating, but she couldn’t blame them; Quen’Talrat Elite Hunters were her guard, Alpha Predators.

Her entourage followed Elinor in silence across the seemingly endless field, gaze drifting to the clean water on the fifth level that flowed down into underground channels to feed the plants with a canal touching the wall for the creature’s drinking needs.

It was strange to feel a warmth rising from the ground, permeating the very air, which simulated the sun, yet it didn’t seem to be radiation-based; all of it was perplexing and wondrous to Elinor.

Hands folded at her back, she continued to explore the area while letting her mind wander; the animals were swift to run to other parts of the open pasture, and curiously, they eventually stopped at a long self-maintained row of vegetables.

A few animals had recently pulled up a few of what Elinor could only describe as carrots seven times their typical, store-brand size and colored a deep red rather than orange.  In fascination, she watched runes dot around the area, causing the leftover items to be absorbed into the soil and the ground to fill the regions.

Where does it all go?  It can’t be just here, self-maintaining for no purpose other than feeding livestock—the livestock themselves would overpopulate, so does the fortress act as its cultivator, as well?  Maybe there is a store of over a century's worth of harvest somewhere in this giant fortress.

Elinor returned to her throne, having had enough time to stretch her legs, and while continuing to explore, her thoughts returned to a few topics that were best put to rest sooner than later.

Ramuk.

“Yes, Empress?”  he asked, vision centering on her.

I’ve noticed your unease toward Noa; she is an integral part of my growing Empire.  Tell me your thoughts.

His two heads lowered, both left arms scratching his right as his two tails twisted in agitation.  “May I speak bluntly, Empress?”

Her luminous green irises shifted to him, knuckles resting against her cheek.  I asked for your thoughts; I wouldn’t expect anything but your honest opinion.

“Hmm … I do not understand ‘it’ … You give N.O.A. a voice as if it lives and has blood pumping through its veins; it took on the form of what many of my people would consider to be the highest degree of perfection one could envision, yet … acted utterly in contempt of that image.  I do not like it.

“That being said, I do grasp how much of a ‘threat’ N.O.A. is … It can cripple the entire city, which makes me wonder why you place such power in this entity’s hands?  I never wish to insult your wisdom and intelligence, Empress; to us, you have unusual customs and logic but have overcome every obstacle like the Ke himself had been reincarnated, yet I cannot help my own unease at that which I do not understand.”

Elinor let his statement linger in her mind, considering the emotions he projected through the Nexus, and by the way the other Quen’Talrat had reacted to the open communication of his feelings on the matter, he wasn’t alone.

Vision narrowed, she straightened in her seat, folding her hands across her lap while slowly moving closer to the edge of the echo-system platform.  The Ke was certainly brilliant; I cannot deny he was a historic leader by the simple fact he constructed such a breathtaking empire in less than two hundred years, yet he had his faults, and it is best to learn from your predecessor’s mistakes.

I am not Ke’Thra’Ma, but I have inherited much of what he left behind, and am grateful for that; I see little difference between the Undead I raise and Noa herself, and that is not to disregard the subjects I have brought back to life but to bridge your understanding with the knowledge I have.

“How is N.O.A. like us?”  Amra’Cora asked, voicing the thoughts of her unit; it wasn’t hostile or in frustration that prompted her but genuine curiosity and a desire to know.

Intelligent life forms come in many shapes and sizes; one of Ke’Thra’Ma’s flaws was his arrogance, which he had the right to boast to a great extent, yet it blinded him to the powerful web of forces he could more or less handle himself until they became united … It was a coordinated attack that took your previous ruler to his knees.

“Sabotage?”  Ramuk growled, four fists tightening.

I don’t have a doubt in my mind … An enemy Ke’Thra’Ma should have seen coming, but he let himself be distracted with his projects … Demon.  I confirmed it when meeting with the Nalvean High Ruler; the shadow entity plucked little strings across the world to raise just enough of a fighting force and at just the right time to destroy your former Empire.

A savage smile lit Elinor’s lips as they finally came to the edge of the broad platform to look across the monstrous pyramid fortress.  Noa had been correct; it was enormous.  Demon’s greatest mistake was attacking me and making me aware of his influence; of course, it may have been his only opportunity for all I know … I won’t be caught so unaware next time.

“He’s gathering an army against us?”  Melia’Ia questioned, shifting her half shields in each arm.  “How soon should we expect it?”

Make no mistake, Demon’s goal is to be freed, and he’s going to try to maneuver me into a position to require his help.  He’s very busy right now, which is why we cannot slack.  A lot hasn’t gone in his favor.

A gleam shone in Elinor’s eyes while studying the pools of contamination on the second rise.  Allowing me to obtain Sari’aél might have been his greatest mistake.  I am now a member of The Covenant, which drives a wedge between our two groups and grants me access to another source of support than him…

Look what Becdeth alone gave me, she mused, drawing their attention to the rich fields and untapped resources that surrounded them.   You only see Noa as a created tool to be used, and Tiffany considers all of you as being no different, but I do not share her view.

Fingers lifting to caress her crown, currently in a tiara fashion to accommodate her braided hair, Elinor chuckled.  An Empire built by using its citizens as tools can go far, make no mistake, but so far as I have seen, it has a fatal flaw.  Balance is required; fear is the weakest of compulsions behind lust, duty, and love … I need loyalty, a firm hand, and a positive image to present to our neighbors.

My greatest tool is not the number of forces I command, nor the riches of my nation … All of that will come with authenticity.  If I try to be anything other than myself—or put on a persona to present a false image—trust will be broken, and nothing is harder to restore.  As time goes on, my people will die for me but not out of duty, as each of you has engraved in your hearts … It will be because they love what I have brought them, and that is both freedom and security.

Sitting back to study the falling powder, Elinor’s mind returned to her A.I.  What does all of that have to do with Noa?  It is simple.  I see her as a citizen, a damaged woman in need of aid, and a true asset to my Empire; fear will foster enmity over time, but love … love will bind even the blackest heart—mmh, it almost makes me want to puke just saying that.

I require love from my citizens, Ramuk, unlike my predecessor that required fear, and that is the actual difference between Ke’Thra’Ma and me.  That being said, some only respond to fear and power, such as your Ke … My love is for my people, but for our enemies?  Terror will be engraved on their souls so that they will never forget what it feels like to harm what is mine.

Camellia and Theresa clapped as she finished.

“Inspiring, Empress.”

“Heh, I don’t know what a lot of that meant, but it sounded good—terror for our enemies!”

Silence ensued while the Quen’Talrat pondered the divergent style of rule Elinor had presented them with, which was likely the first they’d experienced in their warlike culture of fearing those at the top while resonating with the drive to put fear into their opponent’s hearts.

Elinor let herself be lost in the majesty of the pyramid fortress; this discussion would spread among all of the Quen’Talrat as she raised them, which was why it was necessary to express it to the higher-ranked of the race.

Several minutes went by, and Elinor felt Emelina drawing closer to the city, likely using the trees as a springboard and platform to bypass the thick snow which had fallen across the jungle.  The storm appeared to have delayed Jumbi’s vessel by a fair bit, yet the hours of the day had slipped by with all the travel Elinor had done.

Debating when she should return, her attention went to Ramuk as he cleared his throat.  “Empress … I do not understand this definition of life you give to a created runic entity, but as you have acknowledged its—her existence … so shall I.  However, may I be so bold as to disregard her as a Quen’Talrat?  She does nothing to represent our proud race.”

Honestly, I believe Noa would rather not be a Quen’Talrat at all … It is simply the way she was initially born, yet now, she is something unique.  I won’t tell you how to view her; Ramuk, you may have your own opinion so long as you acknowledge her station and life holding value.

“Thank you, Empress,” he nodded, pounding his two fists against his chest with the other Elite Hunters.

In silent debate, three more minutes passed before their focus turned to the floating Nalvean-human hybrid as Noa materialized in front of Elinor.  “Empress!”  she chimed in excitement.  “Finila and I have discovered another corpse in what appears to be a partially constructed medical bay!”

Elinor smiled as the two keywords stung her ears.  “Take us to it.”

Runes surrounding them and Elinor scanned the vast rectangular area as they faded; it looked no different from any other bare room, had it not the elegant display of complex runes shifting around the space.

Everyone focused on the bones lying on the shimmering black stone; the Quen’Talrat had two skulls, four arms, two legs, and one long tail.

Elinor swiftly called upon the dead figure’s spirit, causing bones to rise, green flames becoming tight muscle before skin and deep pink fur took shape.

“Alua’Talia’Asa,” Amra’Cora whispered as the Sage of System Integrity rolled around her heads and rotated her shoulders; just like Quel, Talia was of the Legendary Grade, yet not specialized in combat.  Still, she was far superior to the young twin Sage by Elinor’s analysis.

Stretching to her full stature, she was a tad bigger than Ramuk at around five meters and eighty centimeters tall.  The Runic Master released a rather feminine groan while opening her amethyst irises to observe them.

She breathed in and released a long stream of air before her mature tone filled the area, both right hands on her hips.  “Empress … My, is that you, Amra’Cora?  You’ve grown since I last saw you in the halls of the Institution.  Is your mother well?”

A little amused at how forward Talia seemed, Elinor shook her head, drawing the woman’s gaze.  “Unfortunately, so far as I am aware, the Ka was killed by the Avana.”

“The Avana?  Hmm, a shame; I enjoyed my time working with her.  In any case, I understand I have been called to serve a new Ke … Empress is the title you prefer?”  she asked while placing her fists over her chest in acknowledgment.

“Yes.  What can you tell me about the incident Alua’Golro’Mag caused when infecting you with his virus?”

“Humph … I never liked that fool,” Talia hissed, vision sliding to Noa with interest as she floated in the air.  “He believed himself superior to me in being able to seal the fortress; of course, he was wrong, as was usual, and after dealing with that pitiful scouting party of—who can say what they were—weak is my only word … Mmgm.

“To make a long story short,” she muttered, waving her hand for the runes across the room to illuminate in bright displays of color and shapes, “Alua’Sini’Ta took us to this half-disaster of a medical bay to find a treatment … Ugmm…”

Catching the woman’s annoyed expression on both faces, Elinor sighed.  “What is the bad news?”

“Why are there only two fatalities in her logs … Out of the twelve Sages, certainly it wasn’t only Alua’Quel’Lana and I that died … No other entries are found after she apparently found a solution … that she didn’t write down … Brilliant.”

More than happy to have two Runic Masters in her service, Elinor’s mind went down other avenues at the update.  “Can you tell where they went—were there teleportation or exit logs?”

“Mmh … No, Alua’Golro’Mag—ugh, he should be stripped of the title—Golro’Mag disabled Alua’Quel’Lana’s defensive protocols, including the record-keeping system she designed.  Although … Who is this fascinating runic creature that has burrowed its way into our playground?”

Noa forced a laugh.  “Umm—Noa, Alua’Talia’Asa; the Ke constructed me to oversee his Matrix Core.”

“A stunning work of art you are,” she hummed, seemingly losing herself in whatever she was reading from the dizzying vortex of runes shifting around the room.  “I can see the striking curve of the Ke’s hand clearly with you … Gorgeous.”

“T-Thank you,” she returned, crescent iries darting to Elinor.  “The Empress has made me into a citizen of her Empire … I am thankful to be a part of something so grand.”

“Oh?  Hmm … Interesting.  Empress, I see you have already found and raised Alua’Quel’Lana … the poor girl will be devastated to learn her twin is not here; I bet she hoped for the best.”

“It is unfortunate,” Elinor whispered, pondering what might have happened to the renowned Sages.  “Would her sister leave her body to rot?”

Scratching her left neck, Talia’s forehead furrowed.  “No, now that you mention it … Those two were practically inseparable, and I cannot see Alua’Kolo’Lana ever leaving without recovering her sister … Very strange, indeed.”

“Hmm … I suppose there isn’t much we can do as of now; can you reinstate the protocols for this network before meeting Alua’Quel’Lana to aid her in repairing the grid?  She is currently seeking to restore the Matrix Core’s path to Nethermore.  I didn’t have her reestablish this fortress’ defenses before we left.”

“Oh, no, she’s already done that, Empress,” Talia giggled, scanning the cryptic symbols.  “She wasn’t able to do much more, but it is her specialty, after all.”

Satisfied, Elinor had Noa transport Talia to the opposite side of the destroyed grid to walk across it to meet the other Sage before the A.I. returned Elinor to the caving system that would take her to Nethermore via the train route; she didn’t want to waste any more power Nethermore had.

Arriving back in her tower as the Head Maid returned, Elinor met the woman while glaring at the clouds hiding Sha’Guala.  How was your time together with Klaus?

The brown-eyed, black-haired woman stood to the right of her throne, following her gaze upon stopping.  “I had a lovely time, Empress; I truly appreciate how caring you are to your servants.”

I’m glad to hear it.  Is there anything more to add to your previous report?

“The High Ruler suspects there are Statesmen that will try to move against him in the coming months as he lays plans with Klaus to develop a road between our Empires.  The Statesmen of the neighboring City-States of Morn’La and Dremuci are attempting to gain favor for the right to have the path carved through their territories, primarily for tax purposes.”

Klaus’ opinion?

“To spurn either would cause further tension and support they may offer to the High Ruler when the other Statesmen make a move.  Although, Klaus suggests throwing your support behind the High Ruler and showing your growing support among the Ri’bot by using the Clavex Clan’s granted territory for the road.”

Hmm…  A smirk lifted Elinor’s lips.  Would that give the Ri’bot Mother Superior a seat on the negotiation table, thereby giving us a vote within the Nalvean Empire itself since she has stated she will join under my banner?

“Indeed, Empress.  It will cause tension among some Statesmen and give you more bargaining power.  Klaus suggests you return within three weeks to solidify the deals they have worked out; once you have set a date, the High Ruler will message the other Statesmen to join.  It will give him a chance to identify possible conspirators.”

What was the Statesman that wanted me to bring back his son?

“Statesman Joru’kora, Empress.  He has vast influence in the Empire’s land-based military and will be important to bring to the High Ruler’s side.”

The Ri’bot Clans between the Nalvean Empire and us?

“Negotiation and possible incorporation into the Empire itself; we have much to offer them, and the influence of being their One Above All will certainly split Clans into factions.”

It does give us bargaining power and leeway, Elinor whispered.  Three weeks … I suppose a date must be set, and I need to show a level of stability in keeping my appointments.  Yesenia?

“As mysterious as ever; unfortunately, the Seaweaver Council is a significant roadblock.  Klaus is sure that the group will cause strife, splitting the Seaweavers of the Empire; a significant number would follow the leaders of their order—namely, Yesenia as their perceived deity—if a choice had to be made.  We do not have the ability nor a good enough reason to intrude on the private area of the Seaweavers that she cloaks herself in.”

Hmm … When you return, take the corpses of Yesenia’s family with you—I already assured the High Ruler I would—and, hmm … the Mother Superior should go, as well; Elluinara, her adopted daughter, is a high-ranking Seaweaver, but I sent her with the Argent Dawn to Stateswoman Lukuroha’s land.  Klaus will need to somehow gain favor among other Seaweavers for our eyes and ears … Bribes may work; I leave it to his discretion.

“Return, Empress?”

Hehe, you didn’t think I’d keep you here to myself?  Elinor mused, catching the humor in her Head Maid’s voice.  Someone needs to deliver my agreement to the High Ruler’s appointment, and who better than my most trusted Maid.  Besides, her neck tilted to the other woman beside her, I believe Theresa is nearing the point of gaining the Head Maid title herself, allowing me the luxury of having two capable women to stand in my place.

“I am humbled, Empress,” the motherly Maid curtsied.

On that note … Is there a Maid that can join you for an extended period, Emelina—one without too many connections to miss?  I can look for another to raise if needed, but I’d like her to act as an extra pair of hands, eyes, and ears to take the load off of the two of you.

“Mmh … Aina San Roman is the only one that comes to mind, Empress.  You have not spent much time with her; she has mainly been supporting Lucky and Gwen in the Palace and City’s restoration.”

Family?

“None that she is particularly close to, only her father, who was taken by the Roxim Clan and is still in their possession.”

Fennel…  Elinor hissed, remembering the spotted, discolored Ri’bot that had captured and dragged her to this world.  Hmm … Close, meaning she would like to see her father returned, and she has other family she is not so attached to?

“Yes, Empress; I apologize for the confusion.”

I sent Garu to scout that area; it will likely still be a while before he returns with news.  Find out if she is willing to accompany you; if she wishes to stay and support the rebuilding effort, that is fine as well.  I have been meaning to raise more Maids and Butlers in any case.

Emelina curtsied.  “I cannot see it being an issue for her, but I will ask for her true feelings on the matter.  Am I to take your word of three weeks from this day to join the trade council in Shi’Shuka?”

Yes.  Is Jumbi waiting for a return trip?

“He is.  I suspected there would be a need for someone to report back.”

Heh, you’re lovely, Emelina.

“You are too kind, Empress.”

Before you go, meet with Pepe and bring back more funds for Klaus to use, so we aren’t seen as cheap.

“I will take care of it.”

Curtsying, Emelina promptly left, calling for Valerie to take her place.

Elinor turned her sight to the southeast.  What forces are you gathering … Krava and Fennel seem to be influential, and the Roxim Clan has a reputation.  How many Ri’bot will you bring me to fill my ranks?  You had better come soon, or you may miss your opportunity; I’m growing stronger by the day.

Tiffany’s tentative voice brushed against Elinor’s mind.  “Can … I have a moment, Dear?”

What…

“Ahem, I, uh—I’ve been thinking about this Twin Seed business…”

Mhm?

“Hear me out, I know this may be a tad of a stretch but … Your mother never told you that you had a twin sister in the womb, and well, considering you ‘ate’ her, or perhaps you could say, ‘killed’ her … Mmh-maybe that has something to do with it?  Your spirit was split between earrings, after all.”

Elinor’s lower lip pulled in as she sat back.

“Elinor?”

My mother … I was a twin … I am a twin?  Why … wouldn’t she tell me that?

“It, uh, well, never really came up, and from what I understand, she didn’t want it to cause feelings of regret or to ponder on what could have been … She was very forward-thinking, as you know!  So…”

I need time to think about this…

“Of course!  Uh, just let me know when you want to continue … Eh-heh, I’m just putting it out there!”

Elinor severed the connection, vision downcast as she considered the information.  Could it all be linked?  I’d need more Seeds and information to confirm it, but … I had a twin sister I ate in the womb?  Hmm…

* * *

Garu slipped through the loud jungle, which teemed with sounds from the many creatures he was familiar with; he’d slowly been regaining his memories until they all returned on the sixteenth day of his resurrection.

It had been a slow process as he killed wild beasts and fished for the Empire’s citizens, which frustrated him a bit.  Even if not of the same caliber from the others in his Clan, he was still from the Ethereal Clan; their secret arts and abilities were feared throughout the lands.  He was only four years old, yet had taken down Quin, an Elite Hunter!

Then again, once he’d gained self-awareness to speak to his former opponent, he discovered she hadn’t even attended the Ke’s unique training course—the Academy; Institution—or whatever she had called it.  After that, she’d revealed something even more alarming, the annihilation of his people.

The Black King destroyed the Ethereal—how?  They’d been on the offensive; they were preparing to slip into their city through a hidden crack and take the fight to their streets, from what he recalled.  A way had been found!  Yet it appeared to have gone unexecuted; it didn’t make sense.

Amra’Cora, a high-ranking Quen’Talrat Elite Hunter, had informed him that she knew nothing about such an attempt against their city; no breaches had come until the Golariex broke the first wall and their Ke died, causing an uproar amongst the Kings and Queens that allowed the break.

He wanted to go to his people’s hidden land; they couldn't have been wiped out because no one knew their Clan’s location.  Still, he had his duty to fulfill, which meant scouting out the armies gathering against his new Clan and Chief, Empress Elinor.  Answers would wait.

Garu dropped out of the high branches of the ancient trees of what used to be the Maltic Clan’s land—apparently, they were all long dead—and what was now the Xaltan Clan’s land.  Of course, it was the Empress’ now, but it still shocked him to hear the rather feeble Clans of his memory had risen to hold such territories.

He was a ghost, and despite his bright white skin and glowing blue spots, not a creature took notice of his silent observation of the lingering damage the area took from a battle not long past.  His Empress had given him one mission, but High Lady Tiffany had added another.

Crawling down the black trunk of the tree, a thick mist gravitated around his silent descent, produced and kept in orbit around him by force admitted by his spots.

Several things instantly caught his attention, bringing him to the muddy ground; the heavy rain had washed away much of the tracks closer to Nethermore, but these were fresh.  He was near the border of the Xaltan—the river that divided this territory from the Roxim Clan—and his target was tucked inside of a small Frave burrow; a female, and young for the animal, making her much smaller.

Creeping inside, he lifted up an unfamiliar cloth that had been used as gauze, sticky, pungent goo on the inside where red blood had been absorbed; humans had used this creature’s fur and specially crafted hole to take shelter from the weather, predators, and to warm themselves.

Frave weren’t instinctually aggressive creatures and had likely enjoyed their company, taking curiosity in the humans since its thick fur protected it from the most dangerous predators in the jungle, like Ragnlar.

He caught sight of the containers called ‘plastic bottles,’ that some humans used, scattered across the hovel with other items he assumed were medical supplies and discarded clothing.  By the scent, two girls and three boys.  He’d understood the hormones the species’ sweat left by interacting with the creatures in Nethermore.

These were the children Tiffany was interested in which had gained powers; she figured they’d gone in the same general direction as the Roxim and Komath Clans and had been right.

He shifted the small bag the High Lady had given him to a more comfortable position on his shoulders, glad there were medical supplies and other things the Witch thought might be useful in bringing them to willingly join him on a return journey to the city.

Garu had been trained since the second he could recognize shapes as a Scout for his Clan, and he was good at it.  Still, the teenagers appeared to have some kind of concealment magic because their trail was difficult to follow after leaving the hole—it almost seemed the jungle itself was trying to cover their tracks.

Reaching the sandy shores of The Wandering River, Garu followed the lingering smell of blood and hormones, scattered against branches and stones until reaching the mountains that separated the Valley Clans from the Lowland Ri’bot.

The jungle thinned, and he began to find more traces of the group as he went, occasionally one split off to scout, which was far easier to track than the mystically concealed group.  As he gained on them, he found signs that the wounded girl had recovered—now, they were chasing something themselves.

Interest rising, he found traces of the Roxim Clan’s trail on their swift exit from the valley; it was old but the teens were tracking the retreating Clan.

Hmm … I’m closing in on them, and by the hastily covered up signs of this struggle … They’ve captured a Roxim elder that lingered behind.  Hehe, do they know they’ve caught a man already on his deathbed that didn’t want to slow his Clan’s escape?  We’ll see.

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