Chapter 37
“There is an aspect of virtually all life that can change a situation in the blink of an eye. Usually it is a hidden kernel that gradually grows until bursting into a full-blown problem. I refer to this as the ‘unexpected variable’. It is everywhere, but most prevalantly observed on the battlefield. They have been the ruin of many good commanders.” —“Approaches to the Art of War” by Shield Captain Ulith Kandar, a required reading for all Imperial Knight Houses
Fal-Ig-Han, Orc Coalition of States, Ground Plane
Sue had been hiding amongst the orcish Parliament staff and guards for far longer than she would have liked. It was growing easier to move among them, but with every moment she pretended to be one of the regulars, the shapeshifter risked being uncovered. Luckily for her, there were a great deal more visitors than normal in Fal-Ig-Han, which meant Sue had a bit more freedom with her ability to blend in as just another guest. When not snooping around, she took up residence at an inn not far from the Parliament structures. It was easy for her to pretend to be just another out-of-towner, and she took full advantage of the opportunity.
This particular afternoon, Sue had once again slipped into the main meeting areas to comb the offices and lounges for anything useful. Frustratingly, she had yet to find any trace of the operative she had uncovered in The Vill. Then something interesting caught her attention, not unlike Marcella’s craving for useful information that had brought Sue circling like a shark to blood. Again, the shapeshifter was drawn to the sense of a predator moving among sheep. She ascended a servants’ stair and picked up a broom she found in a corner. Exerting the aura of “do not notice me” was quite effective, but it certainly did not hurt to look like she was on her way to clean up a mess. Reaching the second floor, she felt the sensation grow nearer and had almost come close enough to catch the scent of her prey.
Sue slipped among the shadows of the upper-story servants' passages. Once she determined she was quite alone, Sue melded into the shadows of the rafters and looked down over the handrails for the source of the secret she hunted.
Below her on the left-hand side were two figures standing close enough to be considered socially awkward in a dark corner. One was likely an orc, based on their build, but they wore a hood and cloak to disguise their face. That in itself piqued the spy’s interest. Who would be so intent to make a rendezvous that they would run the risk of meeting inside what was essentially the Coalition’s capital? And why was their conspirator a human? Sue chastised herself for jumping to conclusions. She was here, which meant that it was entirely possible—perhaps even likely—that the man she saw before her was not what he appeared to be.
She silently climbed up over the rail and swung up into the rafters like a spider, moving from beam to beam in order to get a better angle. Both of their thoughts were well-guarded, which meant they had received training or magical protection against intrusion from just her sort of ability. That only convinced Sue that she had found something important.
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The apparently human man was dressed as a merchant from The Vill, a colorful waistcoat, hat, and capelet. The orc opposite him was dressed in simple town clothes, no doubt chosen to help him blend in. Why would they secret themselves away like this? It would be easy enough to meet in a tavern in town. Unless the orc was well-known and would be recognized in public. Perhaps he could only meet here because he was seen in Parliament often and his presence would be overlooked. Maybe a neighboring State Leader? Somebody intent on pulling one over on the rest of the Coalition? She crept closer, adjusting the shape of her ears until she could pick up their hushed voices.
“…if the timetable is not met.” That was the human, standing almost at attention with his hands clasped behind him.
“I am aware of your master’s schedule,” the hooded figure replied, letting a sneer of contempt creep into his voice. The distinct sound of air being pushed past orcish tusks confirmed her suspicions that he was a native. “But we cannot move too quickly. Neither of us can afford to allow the clans to unite.”
“He is not my master,” said the human with a cold tone that implied he thought none deserved the title from him. “We merely serve the same cause for the moment.”
“You serve the same god.” This came out as an accusation.
“Do you get along with all those who share your faith? No? Then do not assume all who serve the Lord of Shadows do so with the same motivations and desires.” Sue’s head cocked with interest at that name. She did not know it specifically, but there had been many shadow gods. Which one could they be referring to? But the human went on. “Do not worry yourself with my and the chosen one’s beliefs. Simply maneuver your people in a way that allows the southerners an easy path.”
“Their way will be clear. How do you know it will not be traced back to me?” The orc’s question hung in the air for a long moment before the human chuckled.
“When Fal-Ig-Han falls, then you swoop in to reclaim it, who will be left to object?” The orc considered his companion’s words and sighed explosively.
“Fine. Just stick to your bargain, devil-worshipper. Do not make the foolish assumption that because we are orcs that we don’t have ways of dealing with mages and warlocks.” The human took a step back and made an exaggerated bow.
“Consider me well-warned, Lord of the Coalition.” The human turned and moved out of the hidden corner, making Sue have to choose who to follow. She could tail the orc and uncover who he was, perhaps lead her to other conspirators. But if she let the human disappear, she might never find him again. She silently cursed to herself and skittered after the stiff-backed human. Sue dropped on padded feet to land behind him and tracked him primarily by sound until he left the Parliament buildings. When he emerged into the open, Sue shifted and melted into the crowd. She was feeling quite pleased with herself until her prey suddenly vanished behind a squad of orcish soldiers. She searched with eyes, ears, and nose alike, but found nothing. He had disappeared. Simply gone. She gritted her teeth and suppressed a snarl. No one got away from her. But this man had.
Sue forced herself into a calm stroll through the market, heading back for her inn. She knew better than to tarry and increase the chances that she would compromise herself. Even a shapeshifter could be detected by the correct spells, or another telepath. She would wait and see what further developments occurred. When Pecunia next arrived, she would send word of the odd meeting she had overheard. Perhaps Calian, Fern, or one of the dwarves had heard of the mysterious ‘Lord of Shadows’.
