Chapter 26: Looming Threats

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. I will circumvent the evils laid before me, both by blood and by chance. And though I know not all that stands in my path, I know you stand with me, Spear in hand present by my side. They comfort me. 

 

Please Grant us yet another day.”

Year of Wrath 1231, Season of Waiting D.28, Michéle

     “Report: General Lafayette.” The gruff voice echoed in my ear. 

     “Proceed, what are the updates with the Delegation?” I responded, pulling a pad of paper out, to write down whatever information the General was about to give me.

     “As you know, the heavy snows are blocking off routes headed north from Port De Renard and Willowbrook. Already sending crews out with those steam engines that Khamere built to clear the roads. However, the storm's core headed north as we anticipated. Direct port access for the Delegation to Glaion is not possible. 

     Redirecting the vessel to dock at Port De Renard. Rough seas are making their passage slower, later arrival time than originally set at. Vessel should arrive within thirty days or so, Colonel Cortie is overseeing their departure from Casa Del Tabk.” Quick, no fluff added. The old General was far too used to reporting in the middle of a battlefield. I could appreciate that, I was never one for small talk. 

     “Are there any parties that are going to pose a threat?” I asked, a few different obstacles coming to mind. 

     “Only the goblin clan, the heavy snows are going to put a stop to their operations, I'm quoting a low risk. Assigning an advance guard to the Delegation, we haven’t had any missing persons reports from the territory. We also have not observed any of their diversionary tactics using the beasts of the forest either. Safe to assume the Goblins are settled in for the winter, Sire.” I could hear him scribbling something in the background. Likely making a note to confirm his reports about the goblins. Though the scribbling went on too long for my own liking. 

     “Very well, I want to see an increase in guard patrols through the area however. We want no harm to come to the Delegation while they are in Galus. Am I clear?”

     “Yes, Sire. I will begin setting up patrols to clear the area. Another report to give.” He added, no preamble. He wasn’t going to be told no by the Chancellor. 

     “Proceed.”

     “The Foxes have increased their activity as well. Unknown motive, the Casques are already hunting. Foxes have made appearances in Willowbrook as well as the Outerfields. Proceeding with the assumption that they will be a potential threat, higher than the goblins in the area.” He reported, though adding “I am unaware of any other potential bad actors. Mhuzelt and the Dwarven Kingdoms have no stake in interfering with the Delegation. Skjalich has been quiet for years now that the Necromancer settled in there.”

     “Put Port De Renard on lockdown until the Delegation has made their way to Glaion, Lafayette. Instruct Willowbrook to do the same, strip search any suspicious actors that enter and exit the cities. I want no malicious actors, not now. Mhuzelt is having a field day with the Dwarven Clans inside Glaion, I don’t need them to have any reason to incite a political situation.” I ordered, seeing the temporary martial enforcement as something the Citizens would likely forget about within a day or two. While unusual, it happened from time to time as Port De Renard and Glaion played war games with their corps. 

     “Understood, expect your orders to be enacted within the hour, Sire.” The tingling feeling in my ear faded as the connection was broken. Thrumming my fingers atop the desk, wondering about the potential routes the Delegation could take. The route along the coastline was out of the question, that took them too deep into the goblins territory. Even if they were dormant for the season, I didn’t want the risk. 

     They could take the route that skirted Skjalich, adding only a few extra days to the overland trip. But, it would decrease the risks. “I still didn’t understand Lucas’ point for his inaction with the goblins. At this point, it might just be more useful to Corden off their entire clan. A full garrison would be needed, but it might be needed.”  I’d have to have a discussion with Lucas about it, even if he didn’t want to eradicate them, they were still a threat. Subduing that backwater wouldn’t be difficult, while they were competent fighters from all my reports, they still didn’t have access to firearms. Crossbows, swords, a plethora of traps and ambushes, they had that in droves. 

     That goblin woman swam through my mind again, the trio stopped on the road. They were observing their customs, peacefully. They broke no laws, they behaved themselves. “I wonder if they would be willing to have a discussion about the situation.” Frowning and annoyed with myself. “ What am I thinking? They’re goblins, as far as I know, only that trio are the only peaceful ones there are. I doubt they all speak Common, or even understand the magnitude of all this.”

***

Year of Wrath 1231, Season of Waiting D.35, Ilgor

     “Let's go Hob.” Ilgor said, pulling her heavy hood over her ears. Finishing paint work, the ashy paint over Hob’s face. Not a speck of green to be seen, she smiled. His own heavy hood gave off the convincing illusion that they could both be Gnomes. So long as no one noticed their eyes were purple. She reminded him to suppress the magic in his voice, that information was making its rounds too much as they peacefully interacted with the townsfolk. Anyone’s attention that snapped to them without an obvious cause was just too suspicious. 

     The two set off toward the city, the falling snow dampening any sound they made. The roads were still covered in feet of the icy fluff, hopping from branches of trees to expedite their travel, at least until they hit the Outerfields. Only then would they need to travel the actual roads. The slight wind was trying to bite through their thick clothing, albeit it wasn’t that cold, it was humid. The damp air was a mixed blessing, not feeling as cold, but it got through whatever you wore.

     “You’re sure the Guard patrol talked about something important happening?” Ilgor asked, hopping down from the branch, her poncho billowing out, slowing her fall. She left behind her brighter colored one for the flat gray they both wore.

     “Yes Mother. They talked about something coming. They didn’t say a lot on the matter, I stalked them for a few hours. I feel like the Cities wouldn’t be sending extra patrols out unless they were looking for us. I think they are worried about us for whatever is coming.” He grunted as his feet landed hard on the cold ground. 

     “Alright.” She helped him back to his feet, while he spent the next moment brushing the snow off himself. “Even out on the roads, they aren’t speaking candidly. I doubt we are going to overhear anything from the Watch in the city then. I think we are going to have to spy on the actual palace then.”

     “Risky, but I get it. That building is gray, the stone takes most of the heat, so it isn’t going to offer much in the way of camouflage, no snow.” Hob commented, remembering the tall tower in the center of the city.

     “I might have a plan, I spent too much time wandering around. I know there is a walled off section that I think the Captain of the guard calls home. We could start there.” Ilgor replied, her breath forming clouds around her that whipped away quickly in the breeze. 

     “Say, can you move around the snow? You keep freezing the caves” He bumped into her in a companionable way “Couldn’t you give us the cover we need?”

     She thought for a long moment before answering. “I suppose I could try, the snow is already dampening the sound, so humming some magic to do so shouldn’t raise suspicion. But, you are going to owe me a drink for making your job easier.” She playfully punched him on the arm. “None of the human beer, I’m thinking of a spirit.”

     “Whatever, you’ll be two shots in and won't be able to stand up. You’re a cheap date, Illy.” He laughed.

     They were already entering the Main Gates of the city, seamlessly moving into the crowd toward the middle of the swell. The Guards didn’t even look over at them as the people moved in and out of the gates. Their hoods not even drawing attention this late into the season, everyone had them to keep the snow off. 

     Swinging to the left, they took the back streets making their way toward the Palace. Stopping to observe the patrols around the buildings, taking note of the three minute interval between the duos walking the perimeter. As soon as the last one passed by, they quickly slipped past gaining entrance through a rusted grate Ilgor had used the last time she explored the area. The bolts had broken from the rust, something she found out when she kicked it while she wasn’t paying attention. Thinking she had broken a toe on that particular trip.  

     The high tower of the Palace loomed over them, a stoic sentinel watching the city move around it. The numerous windows glowed with a warm amber light, Ilgor pointed up to the corbels, they could slip in through the machicolations. Noting the lack of footsteps along the top of the walls. “Perfect, just like last time. They really don’t expect anyone to get this far do they?” Ilgor commented.

     “Honestly, I don’t think anyone is foolish enough to try what we are doing though, Illy. What are we going to do about our own prints in the snow?” Hob asked, huffing as he hoisted himself up and onto the top of the wall. 

     He got his answer as Ilgor’s voice filled the area. Tapping her on the shoulder, a worried look on his face “Does it have to be so loud? Soften it, Mother!” He hushed. 

     Rolling her eyes, her voice got softer, barely audible now. “Weren’t you the one who wanted more snow?” The rate the snow fell seemed to increase as the wind picked up around them.

     “Sure, weren’t you the one who recently figured out you can use your heartbeat to use your magic? You wouldn’t shut up in the tavern while Yvet gushed over you and your wonderful skill.” Hob said, making fun of Yvet’s over enthusiastic voice. 

     She felt her face get hot, though the blush didn’t show through the paint on her face. “Don’t make fun of him.”

     “Yeah yeah yeah, guy couldn’t make it any more obvious, Illy. Besides, why aren’t you showing any interest back anyway? He’s a good guy, even found that rock for you.” Hob said, as they scrambled up a staircase, getting closer to one of the windows. The room was empty, though the lamps on the walls were lit. There were nothing but bookshelves and a small table in it. 

     “I know he is, it’s almost like we grew up together, Hob. I just…” She started, but they both caught sight of a moving shadow through a window above them. Their conversation died instantly. Their task taking their full attention, Ilgor jumped up to the ridge of the window. Peering inside, she saw it was the same man who stopped them on the road.

     Motioning for Hob to get up, he quickly joined her. The man left the room though, angling his body in a way that made it seem like he was going to go down the hall to one of the rooms off to the side. They sat and waited for any movement through the windows. The heavy breeze Ilgor conjured up, threatening to throw them off the building. The ridges in the window sills made perfect handholds for their small hands. 

     Rewarded with the answer they wanted, five windows down the light came on inside. They hurried over, jumping from window sill to sill, Ilgor grabbing Hob’s wrist as he began falling back. Any noise at this point would give them away, she gave him a look that just screamed “Some hunter you are.”

     Rolling his eyes back at her, she whispered “That's the Chancellor, he was the one who stopped us on the road.”

     “I was there Illy, besides you don’t know he’s the chancellor, only that he stopped us and had some amount of command over the Guards. He’s still wearing that badge though, so at least we know it’s the Captain of the Guard. Why do you think he’s the Chancellor?” He whispered back, putting his head close to hers, speaking even softer than she did. 

     “Same name, Michéle. I’ve heard a few of the pomps in the market square say it as well as the Guards.” The man in the room began speaking. 

     “Port De Renard is where they are going to dock. This hurricane is stopping them from docking here at the city itself.” He sounded as if he was talking to someone, but no one else was in the room. He held a hand up to his right ear and continued speaking.

“That ship they are in was a design made for this type of thing. Those wide wheel paddles and a wide deck should have made it stable even in rough seas, I don’t see why they couldn’t have just made the journey anyway.” He scribbled away at a piece of paper on his desk, 

“What do you mean one of their engines is out?” There was a brief pause before he started speaking again. “That explains a lot more. Why didn’t the naval force just take the Delegation on themselves? They could have certainly made the voyage to Glaion’s port.”

“Lafayette, that doesn’t make sense, why would you be concerned with a private company's ship? I don’t care, we still could have just bordered them on one of our ships and not have to deal with any of this.” Even though they couldn’t see his face, they could hear the frown in his voice. 

“Diplomatic choice be damned! I don’t care if they refused, our job is to ensure their safety in our borders!” He was out of his chair, yelling. Ilgor and Hob quickly got out of the window frame as he turned around. The heavy snow, thanks to Illy, was blocking anything from view more than a few feet outside. They were safe from view for the moment. 

“They wanted to make their presence known? They wanted to show the Citizens that the Zybtine Caliphate were actual people too? Hmm. I suppose that has some merit then.” He sat back down in his chair, pen to paper again. 

     Ilgor turned her face to look through the window, seeing that he was preoccupied with shuffling through paperwork. He pulled out a sheet of paper with numerous drawings of richly colored clothing, swirling lacework and designs along the entire garment. “This is what they are traveling in? A bit light for the conditions, please provide them with heavier winter clothing when they arrive. Actually, I’ll have some made for them. Same designs so they feel more comfortable. We’ll show them that Galus is an amenable force.”

“They should appreciate it, a political gift to butter them up.” He scrawled out something on another piece of paper, ringing a bell on the side of his desk. 

     The door opened almost immediately, a servile looking man walking in and bowing deeply to the Chancellor. Ilgor moved out of view of the window as the servant looked back up. “Take these to the Court Tailor, I want these same pieces made for winter conditions. This is an immediate request, I expect them to be completed within a day.”

“Yes I expect that should do nicely. Those people have likely never experienced winter, Zybtine and that ghastly dry heat of the desert.” 

     Ilgor made a note of the garments on that paper, making a mental note to tell the rest of the raiders to avoid anyone wearing something like that. Really, they should avoid all raiding until this Delegation had passed through the territory, Yorm would likely not like the idea however. Still bent on his glory seeking, as long as they explained it, he should agree. 

     “I want even more patrols on the roads, I also want to know more about what Advance Guard you are going to be placing with the Delegation.” There was a pause as Hob and Ilgor looked at each other, the unspoken understanding that the City was going to be extremely active. Dangerous, the clan should hide during this time. “I want that guard outfitted with everything they need, heavy armor, longer range armament as well as some way to set up quick fortifications if needed.”

“Yes, a riflemen squad as well as close quarters combatants would do nicely. I want to see a dossier of each candidate, I’ll help pick out the guard. Anyone that manages to get the Delegation to the City safe and sound will be getting a promotion. I only want elite soldiers on this assignment, the best you have Lafayette.”

     Watching the two goblins balancing in the heavy wind from a tower off in the gale, Odeza observed. The arcane display in her vision, showing the two clearly even through the storm. Showing the goblin woman’s voice belting out magic like it was nothing. “She could be a candidate for a God’s Eye with that level of proficiency, I wonder how much training she has had so far.” Tapping away at the display making note of the hijacked comms line Michéle and Lafayette were using, she would have to report back to the Queen about the situation. But, she had wanted to hear their conversation. 

     Mildly impressed with the Great Mother’s Children for taking such a risky initiative to gather this information themselves. The VIP the Bluejay identified showed her clear mind for trouble on the horizon. Though, Ozeda couldn’t identify the strange interference she was having, taking an extra amount of attention to see the VIP clearly through the snow. 

     Her job was to observe, not interfere yet. All the God’s Eye’s were just that for the Queen, her eyes into a world she feared to step into. “An expedited response should she be in danger. Gjorn, we may have to act on that sooner than you think.” She thought to herself. 

***

THE ELSEWHERE, Gjorn

     The Citadel was a blaze with activity, I had appeared without notice. I needed to speak with the Queen as soon as possible, I couldn’t wait on the usual methods. Bypassing all protocol for her operatives in the Shattered lands, Branch Walking into the Elsewhere. Ceremony was not important in this case. 

     I, however, couldn't help but be impressed with The Elsewhere every time I came here. The massive spires of the city buildings, the sprawling endless valleys and mountain vistas. The lake where Glaion sat in the Shattered lands, sparkled beautifully in the sunlight. The Queen had spent an absurd amount of time learning the skills her siblings knew innately to create her own sun for this place. 

     Her work, her essence, her will was ever present in all about this world she had built to escape the Shadows. Anlyth landed lightly beside me, his monarch wings of brilliant emerald green caught the light of the Queen’s sun. “Bluejay, you weren’t expected. Brother, pray tell, what has brought you back unannounced.” 

     Anlyth was still the General Ultimus for the Legion of Syn. He had fought and survived the Dawn of Truths as the denizens of the other realm called it. All the Children of The Elsewhere called that event, The Heartbreak of the Quartet. He held his position as a precious gift, given to him by his creator. While the Goddess Syn had been missing since the Dawn of Truths, her surviving Children toiled away endlessly, training. To begin again the war with the Shadows, peerless fighters they were.

     I quickly told him the news I had, Anlyth’s eyes widening with each word. Only to be grabbed by my wrist and hoisted into the air by the General. He barked orders back at one of his squadrons still on the ground, commanding them to secure the portal nexus, disallowing anything to pass through. The Fairies saluted him, and began dolling out his orders. 

     “You know I can fly too, Fairy.” I yelled at him over the din of the air rushing past us. 

“I’m well aware of the power gifted to you by the Queen. You are still too slow to keep up with me. The Queen must know immediately.” Yelling back at me, the wind creating enough drag on us to cause my wrist to be painful.

     We landed gracefully enough, though both of us stumbled as we hit the ground. Naught but a few moments later, Anlyth’s soldiers landed all around us, acting as my honor guard. The General followed after me as I walked up to the Cathedral doors. Anlyth knew as well as I did, despite being a Shadow-Born soul, the position given to me by the Queen held more authority than his. 

     He rushed past me to inform the guards blocking the doors that the Bluejay seeks an immediate audience. They rushed to open the heavy brass doors, covered in the God’s language. Recognizing the runes for family and strength as the ones Ilgor wore around her neck. She truly didn’t understand what events were about to transpire in our shared world. 

     The Cathedral itself was a morose place, the deep pool of water in the center of the great chamber, reflected back the rainbow of colors off the stained glass windows. The Queen must have been in another one of her fits of depression again, not a single one of the candles lining the walls were lit. The only light in the high stone building were the three solitary candles at the base of the statuette depicting the Forgotten Family. 

     As we neared the balcony that held the Queen’s chambers and courtroom, the feeling of melancholy was thick in the air. None of the Children were around, all her guards choosing to wait at the base of the stairs until her mood improved. Though all stood at attention the second they saw Anlyth and I striding toward them with a Coterie of Honor Guard in full dress. 

     Walking past them, we ascended the rich marbled staircase, they followed in procession. The Court Chamber doors, made of the same brass material as the main ones. Though, they were more heavily carved in runes. Phrases, disjointed and cryptic. Supposedly, these were some of the first ones she made when she created her Children’s new home in this plane.

     “Till the sun rises again from the mouth of the Shadows.” “To hear her Song on the sweet breeze of the first spring days.” “The Sea's loving father for whom they knew naught the depth of his insight.” 

     The courtroom was empty, the echo of their footsteps filling the chamber. Another balcony above this, the true residents of the goddess. A throne built by her Children, for she wanted none. Rich and intricately carved with the concepts of her power. An inlaid set of scales, a fire burning in each platform of the scales. A series of smoky vales for each of the armrests, the back of her throne depicted her family. 

     The gods and goddesses, now slain by the hands of the Shadows. They had hoped that the sheer amount of life they had put into the throne would make her smile, though that was a truly rare gift indeed since the Dawn of Truths. Vilorlith’s starry night eyes staring on placidly. Kyln’s kind demeanor filled the room with a comfortable camaraderie. Syn’s beautiful smile eased all worry anyone would have. 

     The carvings have been done with such a level of detail, you could believe they breathed. She never sat on her throne on any occasion. She never gave a reason, only the knowledge that it had never happened. She wouldn’t order it removed, for the Children that made it would be too heartbroken to hear of it. It was made as much for them, as it was for her. 

     The Queen’s voice stilled all noise beyond hers. “Gjorn, I wasn’t expecting you so soon.” In the time it took to blink, she stood in the center of the chamber. Her hair billowed in a never ending plume of smoke, smelling of cedar and pine. Rare did she ever actually open her eyes, though her divine fire still burned weakly through her eyelids. 

     Her long silky dress splaying out from her, the same smoky gray as her hair. Instead of sitting in her throne, she had a penchant for pacing the room as she spoke. I dropped to one knee, bowing my head to her as the rest of her true Children merely bowed their heads to her. 

     “Come now, my magnificent songbird, I’ve told you, you need not kowtow to me.” Her sweet voice was a song in my ears. 

     “Mother, I still do not feel worthy to be here before you. I am still in awe of the gifts you have already bestow” I felt her silence me, she wasn’t one of my servile attitudes toward her. Cutting my words off with a thought. 

     “Tell me, Gjorn. What brings you to our home?” She asked, hearing her pace the room. 

     “We have found something important. A person of interest that I plead to you, we need to protect at all costs.” I began.

     “We? You and Scout Realm have identified something together? I had chastised her recently for speaking about the history before the Dawn without permission. Please tell me more, Bluejay.” Her voice, like warm water on a cold winter’s day.

     I took a deep calming breath, thinking back to the notes I had made. I knew she wouldn’t be interested in the politics of the Shattered lands in light of the other aspect. “A young goblin Priestess by the name of Ilgor, both Odeza and I, identified as the person of interest.” 

     “A child of the Great Mother? Her entire race was… what is the reason for this need for protection?” She asked, the hesitation and second guessing she felt was tangible in the air. 

     “She recently underwent a religious ceremony in which Odeza Witnessed her Dream Striding. This was also confirmed by the other God’s Eyes, they witnessed her ceremony going awry. Her ceremony that was meant to chain her to Bhal was never successful, instead she… saw.” I felt a warm hand lift my head up to look directly into the Queen’s open eyes. They were literal fire, though you could see her pale green iris’s through the flame. Her face was serious, all pretense of patience was gone. 

     I was told that the original four gods, including the Queen, had a sort of prescience that many interpreted as mind reading. Though they being literal gods, I accepted this as truth. Over time I learned this wasn't actually the case, they could feel intention, and the weight of words before they were said. “Tell me what she saw instead of that Shadow.” She whispered mere inches from my own face. 

     “The Great Mother has chosen a champion, my Queen. She still lives, she was not slain as we thought. Only weakened to a state that had become undetectable. She tethered herself to this goblin priestess, she grows stronger each day. Both of them.” The Queen’s lips parted in a stunned expression I thought I would never see. 

     She stumbled backward, I rushed up to catch her. Though several of the Children beat me to it. The mood in the room changed almost immediately, the room filling with a comfort and warmth where her melancholy had been. While I didn’t notice it right away, the light coming through the stained glass behind the throne grew brighter. The air in the courtroom felt warmer, more welcoming. 

     Her face split into a smile that reached her eyes. “We must inform the rest of the Children. Gjorn, I cannot thank you enough for bringing us this information!”  She was suddenly in front of me again, wrapping her arms around me in a rib-crushing hug.“I will see my dear sister once more…” Her happiness was infectious, as a smile filled everyone’s face in the chamber. 

     I was sent on my way, back out with the original coterie I had come in with. Anlyth speaking about future plans, contingencies and operational parameters. Methods of supporting the Goblins over time, and how to bring them into the Elsewhere for their safety. How they would proceed from here on out. 

     As he spoke, I noted all the candles lit in the Cathedral, every last sconce and candlestick, glowing with a warm light. The dark reaches of the vaulted ceiling of the goddesses home lit with life and vigor. I stopped the procession to admire the light coming through the windows over the pool of water, bright as the noonday sun. 

     Walking out into the sunlit mezzanine, the sun was brighter. The colors of the world, vivid and lively. “That certainly cheered her up. Hope we haven’t felt in eons, Bluejay. What a wonderful gift, to earn the favor of our divine Mother.”