Chapter Six Hundred And Sixty Seven – 667

Nestled in the Foot, Islas Fiendstone mansion was a luxury that many in the city would have killed to take from her. It was a status symbol among the growing populace, as only the Autarchs closest allies were allowed to live so close to his Temple. The common folk watched in awe while the stymied nobility peered with undisguised envy.N??v€l--?1n hosted the premiere release of this chapter.

Isla found both quite gratifying.

The morning had only just broken over the mountains when the others had arrived. Now, she lounged in a well-stuffed leather chair in a wide parlor. Around her, six Chanters spoke over one another in increasing fervor after the events the night prior.

Do we have a list of casualties? Anguin demanded.

The current count is thirty eight with severe burns, eleven with minor scrapes and bruisesand sixteen deaths. Corein paled slightly after reading, and Isla was annoyed to see that it only made her look more lovely. Elves, she had found, had an unfair advantage in beauty.

Sixteen. And they claim this Territory is safe, Anguin scoffed. What is that Golem doing about it?

The Chancellor has not yet put out a response to the attacks. The only statement I could obtain was from Commander Reed, who said that the investigation into the events is ongoing. Corein shrugged her elegant shoulders beneath her silver gown. The Legion refuses to talk with any of us.

They seem just fine talking with Zara, a Hobgoblin pointed out. Perhaps because they have established proper channels. Why can we not do the same?

For the same reason that Mauvim refuses to meet with us, Fris. The quorum was met and the choice made. We areillegitimate, Anguin spat.

Isla agreed with that assessment. The Cantus had spent three days debating their position within this newborn state of Nagast. Chanters had put forth their arguments which had spawned counter-arguments by the dozen, until they had talked through every point Zara had brought to the table. In the end, the Cantus Sodalus had decided to support Zaras plan for education and recruitment among the populaceand to continue onward under the Autarchs Oath. The latter was the true point of contention. Of the twenty Chanters that now resided in Elderthrone, the seven in her parlor were those that dissented.

Our choice is as valid as any other, Fris stated, her tone imperious.

Valid, perhaps, but it holds no weight within the Cantus, Gauruk pointed out. We can dissent until were blue in the face, but the lines of power in this city are being drawnand were left out.

A rumble rolled through their Spirits, as if a storm was on its way.

If there is one thing this group dislikes, Isla mused. Its being excluded from authority.

How has Zara responded to your demands? she asked, cutting into the uneasy silence.

With disdain. Anguin hopped from his chair, as if his annoyance couldnt be contained in stillness. The Maven Cyrene has proven herself unreasonable. She refused our entreaties at even the basest level.

She wont let you teach a class? I cannot imagine why, Isla said over the rim of her teacup. Anguin bared his teeth at her, but was cut off.

I see her school as a good thing for us, Sima said. The mousy man wore a light blue jacket and a cream shirt, the collar high up his thin neck. Many among this city have unlocked their Harmonic stats. Training them for what comes is a definite benefit, but it also makes them sympathetic to our cause. That cannot be underestimated.

Nor can our loss of autonomy, Anguin interjected. His small green fists pounded on the thick table in the center of the parlor. Besides, ever since the Unbound departed Zara has been pushing her Will upon us. As if she were greater than us just because she found Nevarre first.

Isla kept herself from rolling her eyes, but only just. Anguins bellyaching was ridiculous, because that was exactly how things worked among the Cantus. Those who find and retrieve the Unbound will be lauded above all others, for they are instrumental in defending against the Ruin. Thus far, only Zara and Isla herself occupied that lofty list, and already she had seen its benefits. They were in her mansion, after all.

Unity is necessary, she says, Anguin went on. Yet she doesnt acknowledge that sharing our knowledge is dangerous. To us and them. How else would you explain the rise in individuals with unlocked Harmonic stats? What was once a rarity is becoming commonplace! Zara claims it is a benefit of the Autarch, but I do not believe it. The sour-faced Goblin sneered vaguely toward the academy. There is trickery afoot.

Its not trickery. Its far worse than that, Gauruk said. The Orc woman wore a purple jacket that beautifully complimented her dark green skin. The Autarch has had contact with Primordials.

The others traded anxious glances and a few half-spoken curses.

Isla had known that, of course. Shed pieced it together well before Mauvim had confirmed it. The others, however, were reeling in shock and confusion.

So this growththe unlocking of so many Harmonic stats among the populacecould it be the flesh curse in action? asked Sima. He fiddled with a quill on the table and looked around as if afraid of the answer.

If so, then that is reason enough for us to act. The flesh curse of a Primordial corrupts without fail. To be exposed is to be lost, one way or another. Anguins eternally angry expression had faded to something closer to horror. Where did you hear this information, Gauruk?

Mauvim herself.

If the previous silence had been deafening, then what met the Orcs words was the Void itself.

She has made this proclamation public? Emelda asked, rousing at last from her cup of aromatic tea. Tall, dark of skin and hair, her beauty was only matched by her fury on the battlefield. Many times had a wayward Inquisitor fallen for her charms, only to be confronted by the might of a Sorcerer. If Anguin was the burning heart of the opposition, she was its face. When?

Gauruk tossed a letter on the table, and it slid until Isla could clearly make out Mauvims seal in wax on the outside. This was delivered to me yesterday. It is a communication from Mauvim to Zara, discussing the development of the school and how best to gather students among the populace. In it she mentions encounters with Primordials. Plural. And each time, the Unbound Nevarre has returned stronger.

Bah. Isla set down her saucer. Im sick of tea.

Perhaps another drink, next time. Zara sat down at her desk. It wasnt as nice as the one in her office at the academy, but it was serviceable for a location such as this. You said they had the letter Mauvim sent me?

They did. I tested the seal before Gauruk ran off with it, too. It was genuine. Isla shook her head. Why would she put that information on paper? They were ready to march up to the Temple and take it by force. It certainly forced my hand. I had to reveal Felixs ability to cleanse the flesh curse.

Did they know how they received it?

No. Someone just delivered it to Gauruk. That crazy Orc probably stole it herself. I dont know how, considering it was in your office and that orichalcum door you have Islas jaw snapped shut over her last words. You.

Zara bared her teeth.

I cant believe it. You delivered it to Gauruk?

I havent a clue what you mean, but it is a shame that the knowledge of the Autarchs ability has gotten out. That will surely weaken the dissenters position.

While strengthening Nevarres, Isla added.

Truly? I hadnt thought of that.

Isla sat back, jaw working as she took things in. Id be mad if I wasnt so impressed, Cyrene.

The Ruin is closer with every passing day. Zara clenched her hands atop her desk. We cannot afford to be fractured, not now.

They both sat there, silent save for the faint moan of the last winter winds outside the wooden hovel. Zaras Mind was awash with a thousand threads all needing to be plucked and pulled, and few were as important as ensuring Islas loyalty. The woman was powerful and driven, that much had been clear to Zara for centuries, but their methods had often been at odds. The approval of the Cantus had offered them an opportunity to mend things between them, and Zara had leaped at the chance.

She had promised Felix much when he left for the frozen north, and there was a great deal yet to accomplish.

Could you not have placed your secret hideaway somewhere closer to the Foot? I had to walk across three districts to reach you. Isla adjusted her skirts, setting her chair to creaking. Blind gods, this damnable mud! It splashes everywhere. Look at my hem! Do you think?

Zara gestured and a small tendril of Water mana rose from the floorboards before caressing the bottom edges of her gown. The mud dissolved away instantly, and her dress was still bone-dry.

A lifesaver.

Dont thank me quite yet. I have another request for you, Lady Isla. What do you know of the explosions last night?

Isla pursed her lips. Very little. The dissenters were eager to learn about them though. They see the increase in crime as a mark against Felixs right to rule.

Of course they do. Thats why I want you to investigate them.

Investi-Im not an adventurer or a guardsman, Zara. The city has a Legion, does it not? Let them handle it.

The request comes from Commander Reed. His people are spread thin, and he requested you.

Me, specifically? Why?

A great question to ask him this evening. Youre to meet him at the barracks, along with your partner.

Partner? Even if I agree to this, and I havent yet, why would I need someone else to assist me?

Call it intuition. Besides, the mage wanted to do this. He has a grievance against the culprits.

Culprits. Multiple?

Are you interested? Zara lifted a sheaf of papers up from her desk.

Isla bit her lip. And if I find a reason here for the Autarch to relinquish his control over us? What then?

Felix holds no control over you, only a duty of protection for his people. The Oath we labor under is light when compared to the shackles any other nation would place us in. Surely you see that, Isla.

Perhaps. The small blonde Chanter smoothed her skirts once more before reaching out and snatching the papers from Zaras hand. Very well. Let us see what dangers lurk in Elderthrone.