Entering her skeletal coach, Elinor let Audrey and Adoncia fuss over her body to make her presentable. If she was going to be the spark these broken and grieving people needed, she had to look as if she were in control at the very least.

  She gave her undead their next order of business through the Nexus now that things had progressed in this way; a lot needed to be accomplished in a short time, and her negotiations were not over. Elinor could now leverage what mystery and intrigue she’d gained to double down; she’d gotten her shoe in the door, and now was the most critical time to push harder.

  Once she was clean enough, Elinor stepped out into the storm with her maids to a host of ri’bot surrounding her small force; they’d been scrutinizing her flaming minions and getting used to them on Fennel and Krava’s orders.

  Carlos informed her that the elder had examined each of the clothed undead’s interior. Krava’s eyes were sharp, and if Fennel noticed the device imprint in the clothing to warn Nadraca, the former Xaria certainly had. However, it wasn’t as if he’d find anything of note.

  She’d expected them to be inspected at some point after the attack; therefore, now that they were clean, they couldn’t be sure how the focused attack worked, adding to the terrifying image she’d instilled, which gave her power in their minds. Remaining a dangerous enigma was her best sword and shield.

  Valdar was leaning against his staff when she exited, eyes rising to observe the damaged umbrella Adoncia wielded. “Fennel is interested to hear about your grand plan in assuring our victory, and I must admit, I am curious as to what tricks your mind is scheming.”

  Silence took the throng as her boots sunk into the mud, the pattering of rain coming into the foreground from the plastic above her. Elinor glanced toward the other ri’bot factions, who were giving her undead nervous looks. Apart from the few more skittish warriors that had been sent to get used to her minions, most of the other tribes had gathered in their own circles to discuss the show she’d put on amongst themselves.

  “Is he too frightened to talk to me himself?” Elinor asked, just loud enough to make the discolored green toads nearby flinch, and the proud high warrior marched out of his group to engage her.

  Too easy, Elinor said to her chuckling maids.

  “I am not afraid of anything!” he snarled, twisting his ax threateningly in his palm. “You swore to us that we would win this conquest, but I question if such a victory would please the Supreme Chiefs. What say you, Former Elder Chief?”

  It was leading—of course—and Mika grumbled through the Nexus at his statement.

  “It isn’t a secret that High Warrior Fennel rarely participates in the sacred rituals… Much like most of my clan.”

  Valdar answered tactfully, though, showing a patient tone. “The Supreme Chiefs reward acts of valor as well as strategy, young Fennel. Be cautious of falling into the trap of thinking honor alone will see you through the great journey in the sky. All chiefs understand this lesson.”

  “Quite true,” Krava chuckled, hobbling forward through the mud in a way that made Elinor want to roll her eyes; he played the weakling for amusement, no doubt so that he could show off. “There is a fine line a chief must walk to reach greater heights… I am curious, though, Empress Elinor,” he stated with a gleam in his bright pink eyes. “What is your next move?”

  Fennel grunted. “To attempt to lead us into a trap; it appears to be her style.”

  Elinor took their words with a smile, hands kept at her front to further illustrate she had nothing to hide; on the other hand, Carlos and Audrey were growing more frustrated by their lack of respect.

  “I will send my undead to inform and prepare the human’s surrender; there’s no need for you to do anything. While they are getting things ready, we can further our negotiations.”

  “Negotiations?” Nadraca whispered, just now joining them to likely not be left out of any discussion. “Have we not already concluded what we expect from you?”

  Valdar lifted a hand to stop further inquiries, making the younger two expedition leaders frown, but Krava knew his friend’s intention well by the way he silently rubbed his chin. He obviously knew that, if possible, the best way to learn about a mysterious opponent was to let them dispel the veil themselves, stating what they wanted.

  “We only spoke regarding her safe entry into our world,” the elder explained, “and The Empress acting as our interpreter.”

  Elinor wanted to further press on the shaken woman’s experience before continuing, though, and it was a rare opportunity to illustrate an underhanded point while being polite.

  “Indeed. How are you fairing, High Priestess? I hope I wasn’t too rough on you.”

  The woman’s expression soured as Fennel chuckled. “I will be just fine,” she assured, rubbing the small bit of scar tissue on her chest. “I will be fully recovered by tomorrow.”

  “Most impressive, Nadraca,” the blue toad smiled. “Though we have taken different paths of worship, I have great respect for your Mother Superior.”

  Fennel and Krava didn’t appear to share the sentiment, and Elinor was starting to see why Mika had continued to lose respect for the leaders as things progressed: they gave the outward appearance of worshiping their Supreme Chiefs but had no faith in their hearts. It was more used as a control mechanism or weapon they could wield.

  Elinor’s attention returned to the blue toad as he asked, “What else do you believe you can offer us, Empress?”

  Many of the warriors gave each other looks that said they were also interested in potentially more spoils—it was precisely what she’d wanted—they’d turned from enemies to an audience, greedy for what she could provide them and giving her the means to pressure their leaders.

  Elinor’s gaze drifted to the pile of wet items that were gathered at the edge of the clearing. If she wanted to build more tension and competition between the clans, she’d have to spark more interest, and a few curious actions, explaining goods would do nicely.

  “What is more valuable than knowledge? Let me paint a picture for you while two of my soldiers do all your heavy lifting,” she said, motioning them to follow her to the pile as she sent Audrey and Carlos to inform the two attack groups of their surrender; they’d deliver the message that she would explain further when they arrived on the other side.

  Krava made a gesture to the woods, where minstrels were probably in hiding, ordering them to follow the two skeletons as the pair each took a whiteboard to communicate with the humans. It would be difficult, given the rain, but they would manage.

  “Knowledge?” the elderly orange ri’bot mused. “Go on.”

  Elinor presented Adoncia’s bony, thin frame. “First, tell me, Elder Chief, what you think about humans—not my undead, but the fleshy creatures you’ve captured—are they particularly strong?”

  “Humph. No,” Fennel bluntly replied in the elder’s place. “A child could easily overpower the largest of these humans.”

  “I’m sure you are correct,” Elinor chuckled. “So, you don’t need them for labor—in fact, they require quite a bit of nourishment to keep healthy, which I believe you can ill-afford. What would you use them for?” she asked, knowing the answer after questioning Mika and proceeding to lay it out.

  “Bait to lure ragnlar? It’s an option. Hunting practice for your youth? Mmh, not the most ideal. Offerings for your Supreme Chiefs or rituals, perhaps? Let’s be honest; these captives are more trouble than they’re worth for your needs, and I’m sure you’ve realized this by now. Correct?”

  Valdar’s eyes narrowed while watching her bend down to open a fridge that had most likely been ripped out of a wall and carted here on a torlim’s back. A lot of the food was jumbled, but most items were still sealed.

  “It does require a lot of manpower that could be used elsewhere…” the blue toad mumbled. “Are you suggesting we kill them all for you to resurrect since they will be obedient to you?”

  “Empress?!” Adoncia panicked, flaming skull shooting between them at the thought of the ri’bot killing her brother.

  It’s fine, Adoncia. This topic is only a stepping stone, she reassured.

  “Not necessarily… Hmm-hmm. I’m sure you wouldn’t want me gaining too much power, after all,” she whispered, catching Fennel’s glare as she took out a plastic container to show them. “I have the knowledge and communication skills you need. Would you be willing to trade humans—living and dead—to me for detailed information on what is useful or not? I’ll offer this deal to each clan… including weapons.”

  She restrained her laughter at the mumbles that swept the crowd of ri’bot that had gathered to listen; obviously, they’d seen some of the strange devices humans had, including vehicles and guns. In offering this to each tribe—humans for knowledge—whoever took it would have an advantage over the other clans.

  “Crafty, suu-shhh” Krava said, breathing out in an oddly deep manner that Elinor once again took for a sigh, hand rising to rub his slick shoulder. “I will say, Empress, I am impressed by the maneuvers you’ve pulled to get this far… If no one takes you up on the offer, Valdar will no doubt get your advice, meaning you’d point him to the best spoils since he has taken ownership of your actions…”

  “Is it a bad deal, though?” Elinor asked, turning the question to the warriors. “I assure you, the things I could tell you would give you an advantage over your rivals. I take the fleshy mouths that require food, manpower, and, let’s be honest, many other headaches involving sickness or transportation, and, in return, I give you things you can return with to be proud of… to be powerful. Would that not please your people rather than leeches to suck out your resources?”

  Valdar forced a chuckle, tone falling a tad as he addressed the obvious personal problem. “All of those issues… would then be on my clan in bulk, since I have taken ownership of you.”

  Elinor offered him a charming smile and tone. “You would think so, but those are all alleviated due to having me. The other clans can’t communicate with the humans, making even simple instructions a chore, but with me, the humans become useful. Does that make sense?”

  Fennel laughed. “You were the one that wanted her, Former Elder Chief! If you show me the use and ways of these weapons in a way I am satisfied, I will gladly dispose of these weak creatures! They aren’t even fit for practice against children, regardless. What of you, Priestess?”

  Nadraca shook her head, making Elinor’s gut tighten; it was a good deal, so why was she refusing?

  “We will take what we can find a use for; many of the clothing and silk products will be more than adequate for our share, and we have our offering to the High Lord. I have seen evidence that these humans can be proficient fishers, as well, which will come in handy. I only wish to leave this… cramped valley… as soon as possible and be done with this business.”

  Elinor wanted to press her, to ask if she were sure, but to do so would make her seem desperate; however, all evidence pointed that her father was in this woman’s camp. She couldn’t look weak or like there was something important to her in her possession, or everything could collapse.

  Begrudgingly, Elinor was forced to nod and hope something more came up when identifying goods. “Suit yourself, but you are making a mistake… What is your answer, Former Elder Chief Valdar and Elder Chief Krava? There are things in this town you have passed up due to your ignorance that could change your clan forever and give you access to things you couldn’t dream of.”

  Valdar sighed and crouched again, dipping his fingers into the mud, probably consulting the jungle. “I… do believe you can fulfill your promises, Empress. However, there is more to your desires than simply gaining these humans. This is not the last time you are going to try to negotiate for more…”

  “Hoho.” Krava patted his friend on the back. “Where do you set the line; does the soil not give you answers?”

  “Only warnings,” Valdar muttered, pulling himself back up with his staff. “It may be dangerous working with her, but it is a risk that may have results. What will the Lethix do?”

  Mika explained each expression to allow Elinor to better grasp how the ri’bot were taking it; the warriors around them looked toward the wrinkled orange-skinned toad as he studied her, and a sly twist came to his wide mouth.

  “I will observe how you trade with Fennel and what you recommend to Valdar before making my decision.”

  A disapproving grunt came from the Roxim high warrior. “Do you intend to benefit from our trades in knowledge, Elder Chief? We expect these things to be delivered in private so as not to diminish the cost of such knowledge.”

  “Naturally,” Krava laughed, slapping the man on the back as the rain lightened, causing many eyes to rise to the turbulent, split sky. “I would still like to observe things for now.”

  “Suit yourself,” Elinor said, offering the cake to a ri’bot warrior. “A container holding sweet food for humans. Keep in mind, I can’t be sure how their food will affect your biology, so I’d be careful.”

  The young toad dropped the container like it was poison, making her giggle and Krava grunt at the weak-willed youth.

  It hadn’t gone completely to her liking, yet she’d made significant progress, and Elinor glanced around at the jungle of Earth. Could she have won without resorting to this strategy? Yes. She knew without a doubt that she could have killed all of these ri’bot, even if it would have been difficult. However, the price would be her parents, and that was no victory at all.

  Breathing in deeply before letting it out, Elinor communicated to Carlos and Audrey, still barely in range of her Nexus network.

  The negotiations were mostly fruitful. Warn them that they need to get the necessities. Medication, sealed goods, and whatever else they may need to survive in the jungle. It will not be easy, but I have managed to leverage all those that follow me into a favorable position.

  Note that everything they take will be confiscated to be placed in the bartering circle. Bring every firearm and explosive we have, Audrey, and package it carefully to be disguised in whatever means you see fit; we want to keep the best items while making it look like we’re only after average goods. Every bullet could be a life bartered, so be thorough.

  They affirmed that they would do as instructed, and Elinor followed Valdar to the Crystal, stopping just outside of it. “Be patient and watch me do all the work,” she told the four leaders, watching her like a hawk.

  She ordered Mika to direct the rest of the undead soldiers through the portal when they’d gone, and stomach twisting with anticipation, Adoncia and she placed their hands on the smooth surface. Oddly, their palms sank into it like water before her environment abruptly changed.

  Hot, humid air pulled her braided hair back, and alien sounds assaulted her from every angle, including a loud rumble in the distance. Elinor’s focus wandered between those that joined her; this was it—she’d entered a completely new world. Her eyebrows raised as she spied hundreds upon hundreds of ri’bot dotted the clearing they’d entered, guarding humans that had their hands bound with vines.

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  Valdar appeared beside her from a diamond explosion of color, with the others soon joining them in the same eruption of light.

  Gloved hands clasping behind her back, Elinor walked forward, boots sinking slightly into the moist soil. Reassuringly, Butter’s presence reappeared, though those left behind all but vanished. Whispers came from over a thousand bound people around the massive clearing as her illuminated jade irises swept the scene, yet Butter’s voice had her full attention.

  “It’s everything we hoped, Priss! Your parents are here, and they are alive,” her twin smoothly informed her, flying to the locations to give her a sense of direction.

  Excellent. Potential soldiers?

  “Hehe. Our first Uncommon, and two of them underneath this field. You’ve lost less Death Energy than I expected. Did things go as planned?”

  More or less, she replied, not keeping her focus on anything in particular for too long with so many studying every twitch she made, and drums from each camp beat at their arrival back, causing the humans to flinch.

  Elinor swept the bartering and goods area, where an entire bus had been transported, packed with items; it would have to be abandoned in this dense jungle environment. Although there may be parts worth salvaging, that would have to wait.

  Adoncia, I hear thunder; find us chairs, a table, and a suitable umbrella… Keep an eye out for stakes in case it grows too windy, as well. Use the chance to find your brother while sorting through it.

  “Yes, Empress!” she said, moving away as more undead were teleported around her, and Mika went to her side. “I really hope he’s here and not in some ditch somewhere.”

  Elinor wasn’t listening, though, cold eyes sweeping the sitting or lying down humans; Butter was behind her mom right now, but she couldn’t make it obvious. The color drained from her mother’s face as a blonde teenager next to her pointed Elinor out; she could only guess what the woman was thinking. It killed Elinor to make her mother suffer.

  “Well?” Krava asked, hobbling over as the drums came to a stop and those they’d left in charge ran up to report. “You said you would communicate with these… humans—make them compliant. We’ve already had to kill a decent number due to their strange actions. I’m sure that doesn’t bother you, though.”

  Elinor’s gaze shifted to the wrinkled chief, causing those near him to shiver at her lifeless response. “Not at all. First, I need answers—how long will we be here, for example? Humans require certain things in order to remain healthy and capable of traveling. Information and expectations keep them calm. Therefore, I will require you to allow certain things, such as the ability for them to defecate. Do you understand that?”

  Valdar laughed. “Yes. It would not be wise to allow them to contaminate the entire area. We can set up a location. As for your question, it took us two weeks to travel from the western side of the valley to this location. We had to be cautious and move slowly to escape ambushes.”

  Her gaze returned to the supplies. “Then… double the time to return, I presume? Also, how long will we stay?”

  “A day or two… possibly three,” Valdar hissed, looking up at the sky. “We need to divide the spoils, pack them up, and prepare for the journey back by gathering food.”

  Fennel shrugged her question off. “I don’t care about that since you will be trading your knowledge for the humans. Why does their health matter so much to you if their death is no obstacle?”

  “Now that is something that I am interested in learning,” Krava hummed, but one of his minstrels ran up to engage them, stealing their attention. “What is it?”

  “One of the creatures claims to have a Mysticism that can… make us understand their language. We have isolated it… over there.”

  Elinor’s eyes narrowed, following the toad’s finger to a distant treeline, where she made out a blonde woman—the color wasn’t common in South America, and she recognized the clothes she wore—it was the woman that sat at the front of her bus and that had asked their guide about souvenirs shops.

  The snake reveals herself… she hissed to Butter, spotting the woman’s smile and wave.

  “It can speak our tongue?” Krava asked, furrowed brow shifting to Elinor, who could guess what this mysterious person was about.

  “Excuse me? What snake would that be? You’re going to have to be more specific, Priss.”

  Go to the Lethix camp and listen to the blonde woman they’ve isolated. Who do you think would be in a position to try to usurp my authority?

  “Oooh! The Scarlet Hand has made their move on this side of the Crystal, as well, hmm?”

  Elinor spoke in silence, each leader glancing between the distant figure and her, pondering what should be done about the development. “I have a feeling I know who this person is, Elder Chief… and their objective. I would like to meet this Mystic because I believe they are trying to lead you into a deadly trap.”

  “Fascinating…” the elder replied, working around his jaw before turning away from them. “Continue with what you’ve already bargained for, Empress. I’d like to hear what this Mystic has to say about you.”

  She let him go without comment, hating that she was unable to play a stronger hand; she walked a delicate line right now, and Krava was definitely her worst enemy here. He didn’t like that she’d wormed her way into his friend’s protection and was looking for a reason to turn Valdar against her.

  For now, her options were limited, but Butter had found her real soldiers that she could put to work. She had to increase her level by furthering her influence among the ri’bot and humans, though, naturally, understanding the Crystal was her first objective after learning her parents were safe. This battle had only just begun, and if she couldn’t work the Scarlet Hand angle, Valdar was her next target.

  The gentle hum of the jungle reflected the calm beats of her undead heart as she turned away from the orange toad’s retreat, catching Valdar’s studious gaze.

  “You need answers to speak to the humans, correct?”

  “I do,” Elinor smiled, pointing out her maid as she set a place for them. “Shall we?”

  Adoncia had managed to find a table and workable chairs in the mess; unfortunately, the single, large umbrella had been rendered useless. Elinor offered a seat to Fennel, Nadraca, and Valdar, but the former two refused and returned to their camps to explain things to their warriors.

  A muscular blue-skinned toad took up a guard position beside Valdar’s chair as the elder sat to discuss things with her, and Elinor saw the way the humans looked at her speaking to the ri’bot. Sadly, it was to be expected they’d think she was working with them at this point, though some things had changed with the discovery of someone who could communicate with the ri’bot other than her.

  The blonde woman diminished her unique ability and a significant amount of her leveraging power, so she had to move fast. Elinor sent Adoncia to find paper and pens to distribute her words while also giving her the option of hidden messages.

  There was the possibility that Krava had the woman read her notes, so she had to be careful in how they were worded. A more troubling issue would be if she exposed her parents’ identities, which seemed likely.

  Oddly, though, Krava left with a small detachment of his soldiers shortly after speaking with the blonde, and Butter shadowed them from above, relaying the highlights as Elinor engaged the wrinkled blue toad across from her.

  According to Valdar, the Crystals appeared in the valley every fifty years, and if they were not victorious, a great catastrophe would occur. If the dome was on the other side, they were the conquerors, and the last time their ancestors failed this challenge, the Crystal brought something terrible to their world.

  Elinor could see why the elder would empathize with their situation, unlike some of the other tribes, and it appeared that Valdar felt some responsibility for the bloodshed since he had been the one to gather the other clans.

  She swiftly identified a steep disparity in the motivations behind each of the groups gathered; it would be crucial for her to play to each of their desires.

  The Roxim were only concerned about glory and what goods they could bring back to strengthen their position in the valley.

  Mika’s inner grudges against those in leadership in her tribe continued to surface the further time went on, and she observed their actions as more of an outsider. They were declining in quality soldiers, so unbeknownst to the other clans, they’d begun recruiting from the clanless ri’bot in the wild lands to the forbidden north side of the valley.

  On the other hand, the Lethix were a well-situated and powerful clan to the far south of the valley, yet they had fierce competition in the form of the Xaltan. Word was that the rival ri’bot group was mobilizing, and there was a fear of them joining two other hostile clans near Valdar’s people, creating a troubling divide.

  The Clavex could care less about any of the valley squabbles between factions since they lived an entirely different way of life in the protection of the Nalvean Empire. Elinor thought the hatred heaped upon Nadraca’s people had less to do with religious practices or honor and more to do with wealth.

  Elinor finished some of her letters when Valdar got into the subject of his station as the highest ranking Plant Caller. The jungle had warned him of a Crystal’s appearance, and, as was a part of his duty, even transcending clan grudges, he was to lay all grievances aside to prevent another calamity.

  “I can see why this war is something of a necessity for your people,” Elinor noted, handing Adoncia the pen and papers to copy specific instructions to be passed around since talking to such a large group collectively was far too much of a challenge without proper equipment. “However, have you stopped to question why these Crystals pit us against each other or who they might be?”

  Valdar sighed, tired eyes shifting to the gateway as the first batch of prisoners came through; ‘blind’ Roman and Gloria—Virgil’s childhood friend—were among them. The woman eyed her with a glare that said she wanted words, but she was taken to the center of the bartering area with the rest without resistance or word.

  “That… is a troubling question. Most have assumed it is a test by the Supreme Chiefs.”

  “But not you,” Elinor whispered with a small smile, watching Adoncia’s pen scribble across the paper with some difficulty, considering her bony fingers; there was a song in her heart, though, since she’d discovered her brother in the Delthax camp.

  “It… does not feel holy,” he said, focus shifting to her maid. “These are your symbols to communicate?”

  “One of many,” Elinor nodded, crossing her legs the opposite way and surveying the camps to better familiarize herself with the bizarre world. Interestingly, Butter was feeding her some rather juicy details regarding what Krava was hiding. “You’re saying it wasn’t the creatures your ancestors tried to conquer that broke through the gateway and fought back, but something else came when they failed?”

  “Yes,” Valdar muttered, accepting some strange drink from a wooden cup one of his men brought him. “It was not the first time a Plant Caller failed in their duty to conquer the Crystal, but the results were far more disastrous than what those of the past recorded.”

  “What happens to a Crystal when the last Hub-Crystal is destroyed?” Elinor casually asked, knowing these gateways were her only chance of eventually getting home one day, or so it appeared at the moment, and she had to have answers for the humans to not look like a fool.

  Setting the cup down, his tight hands knotted in his lap, looking at the shimmering blue Crystal as if a monster in itself. “It depends. Sometimes it reverses the conquest… if you’re lucky. If not conquered in an acceptable time, a second might appear, or strange phenomena happen inside the dome.”

  “Such as the ice if things are progressing too quickly?”

  “Your guess is as good as mine, Empress… but it is possible that if all gateways are sealed, a Destroyer is sent as punishment. As for our ancestor’s sin, the Crystal shattered as is normal, however… it left three shadows behind. Creatures as fearsome as The White God that we called the Creeping Shadows. They multiplied at an incredible rate, building large nests and tunnels deep beneath the jungle.”

  Elinor sat back, taking in the name and image. “Ominous… but I was told that the Creeping Shadows were the ones to kill the terrifying creature you call The White God. Was he one of these calamities in the past, and doesn’t it seem more of a benevolent action that the Creeping Shadows were there to deal the fatal blow?”

  Valdar forced a laugh, rubbing his forehead. “Your questions do spark doubt in me, Empress… I have not thought about that possibility. Could the Crystals have brought The White God or brought our salvation? Hehe. I suppose those questions could be levied at you, Empress.”

  “It certainly is possible,” she mused, yet she was not happy with what Butter reported.

  Krava appeared to believe he knew a thing or two about rituals because he was allowing the blonde to perform one on a warrior to unlock what she called ‘The Scarlet Eye.’ It was a big mistake and, given his personality, one probably born out of her surviving his attack. He was a proud legend of the Fire Wars, so it likely had had an effect on his ego.

  Not wanting to show her displeasure at how things were progressing with the old orange chief, Elinor kept her poise thanks to her Feats. “I am very reasonable. How fearsome was this White God?”

  Elinor leaned against the side of her seat, looking up at the darkening heavens as the rays slowly turned orange. She needed more information about the most terrifying creatures of this world—potential soldiers to be raised.

  A low rumble came from Valdar’s throat; she’d given him a lot to digest already, and it wouldn’t be strange to be interested in such a colossal tale regarding ri’bot history.

  “How fearsome was he? The White God destroyed an entire nation of powerful creatures composed of stone called Trelmere on their warpath to the far north—into horrific, unknown lands that even the bravest of warriors would not venture, and… we hoped that would be the end of the quen’talrat.”

  Elinor smirked. “How would anyone know it was horrific if it is also unknown? Haha. That obvious hole aside, it’s never that easy, hmm? I’m guessing he returned.”

  He sat back with a low chuckle. “You do bring up very valid points, Empress. Hmm. Yes, forty years after they left, the war band returned, nearly entirely decimated, yet clothed in items of great power and knowledge to build the impossible. It took the united effort of the seven great nations to overcome The White God and his warlords.”

  The White God and seven great nations, Elinor repeated to herself, having heard a few tales told to children that Mika recounted. The monster who raised up an empire, requiring seven powerful nations to unite to destroy it, yet no one could so much as scratch The White God until the Crawling Shadows attacked. I can learn a lot from his example. I’m running out of time for this angle, though.

  Valdar looked into his cup, chuckling to himself. “A curse or blessing… You aren’t wrong, Empress. Without the Crawling Shadows, we would not be here today, and the Fire Wars are what we call our battle against his fractured warlords, not the Great War against the united quen’talrat race. From what my father told me, he suspected that the Crawling Shadows and The White God destroyed each other.”

  “Fortunate, indeed,” Elinor whispered, yet all she heard were powerful entities she could raise from the dead. “Former Elder Chief…”

  “Hehe. You may call me by name, Empress…” He looked up at the immense canopy overhead. “The jungle… She is louder than I have heard her since the arrival of the Avana. I will trust what it speaks and give you a place to support my clan. I do find your mind… stimulating.”

  “I’m glad to hear… Unfortunately, I believe your friend might have other ideas and agendas behind this conquest.”

  “Meaning?” Valdar asked, straightening a little.

  Elinor’s gaze drifted to the orange toad camp, where Krava was returning without the human cultist. Again, Butter reported that there were many more ri’bot warriors than Mika thought hiding further in the jungle, and the Lethix had yet another special force further still.

  “I heard that each of the three clans that answered your call accepted the terms to come in equal number… Perhaps my presence is clouding your senses, Valdar, but I believe you should investigate why Lethix’s elder chief has brought an extra army and hidden them away.”

  Butter, I need you close; we need to play our next strong hand.

  “Ooh! Finally, I’ll be able to see what treasure I found beneath the soil. By the way, Priss, I don’t think this cultist is quite as prepared as they were on your planet. They are having trouble convincing Krava to allow them to perform another ritual to, eh… communicate with the planet, or something inside of it? I vote we stop that from happening.”

  Well… we’ve entered new territory, Elinor muttered, having no doubt that she could accomplish the act. So, she can’t get the ri’bot to finish the job, so she’s trying to summon some spirit inside the planet. Wonderful. Sadly, I’m not sure if we can stop it. Maybe we can double down on this information.

  “Old friend… might I have a word?” Valdar asked, shooting an inquisitive look in her direction as he got up. “Telsar, stay with The Empress.”

  “Yes, Former Elder Chief!” he saluted, slapping a fist against his chest.

  Krava lifted his wrinkled brow. “Has she done something questionable already? Hehe. Well, I have learned some rather interesting things about this girl.”

  Elinor followed Valdar’s example, straightening out the dark silk wraps around her forearms. “I’m sure you have from that cultist. Has she asked you to let her speak to what’s trapped inside this planet yet?”

  “What?!” Valdar’s focus snapped to his friend. “What is this about communicating with the planet!? Krava, you know—”

  “I know, old friend… Relax, and how would you know what she has asked of me?” he muttered suspiciously.

  “I wonder, indeed,” Elinor chuckled, turning to face the humans. “I will make my address now that I have the appropriate information, and I’m sure Telsar can help me set proper places for the humans to use until we are ready to leave.”

  The senior warrior looked at his leader, who accepted her claim.

  “Wonderful,” she chimed, knowing Valdar had enough ammunition to keep Krava busy, and Butter was weaving through the trees to join her. “By the way, I have a little surprise to show you when I am finished organizing them. I’m sure you and Fennel will love my next deal. Hmm-hmm-hmm.”

  Elinor left them to stew with what seeds she’d planted; it was time to visit several of the humans, including her parents, before selecting who would be the group leaders. If they were going to stay in this world, there needed to be those that spoke for various parties and dispensed information and orders.

  However, halfway to the nearest humans in Valdar’s prison area, a large number of ri’bot and even more humans came through the Crystal, making her pause; trucks followed, carrying many goods—two were operated by Carlos and Audrey.

  When the last moving van made it through, the floating jewel shimmered and shattered into twinkling dust, as if it never existed at all. Cries were heard throughout the field, and some people fell to their sides, tucking into balls and unable to cope with the loss of their way home.

  A rumble caught Elinor’s notice from the west, it was closer now, and she felt a raindrop strike her nose as a chill swept through the jungle. This was it; they were trapped without hope for escape.

  So… It’s official. If I don’t become a true Empress and take responsibility for everyone here… they’re all going to die. She was shocked how little the weight felt on her shoulders as she continued to the hyperventilating woman nearby. I better get to work.