Whats the situation? Aban Saddi asked.
Walking to the table, Shesh said, While investigating the incident in Garden Terrace, we followed a lead that took us out toward the city walls. We found a warehouse there, with a tunnel leading to the outside. Probably built by smugglers, but controlled by fucking cultists. So Abhorrent ambushed us. Now theyre loose in the city.
Aban Saddi nodded. Sothing similar happened to Ninsunu.
Shesh exhaled heavily. Considering how it played out, I I have no choice but to admit I was wrong. He looked at Ninsunu. Youre right, Nina. At least about their goal. It seems obvious that theyre after us.
But if thats the case, why have they been slaughtering the Unsighted? Aban Saddi asked.
If theyre after lam, then it makes sense, Ninsunu said. The Unsighted have lam within them, just not huge stockpiles like we do. Even flies are at, right?
I never thought Id see the day, Shesh said, when I agreed completely with Nina. But yes, that analogy makes sense.
Ninsunu tilted her head up slightly. The group of Abhorrents we uncovered chased us halfway across the city before disappearing. Sowhere between Harborview and here. Presumably, sothing similar happened with you?
He nodded. We fought our way free from the initial onslaught. Then ran. And yes, at a certain point, they stopped pursuing us. Frankly I was too concerned with our own safety to confirm where exactly they went.
Aban Saddi massaged his temples. At least we know our previous theory about how they got inside was correct. Tunnels.
Its the sa in Harborview as well, Ninsunu said. The slums have two or three smuggler tunnels to every one that exists elsewhere.
What if theyre gathering in preparation for a major assault? Shesh said. He looked at Ninsunu.
Its not impossible, she said. In fact it seems entirely plausible.
We need to confirm one way or another, Aban Saddi said. Ataneedusu, go find Colonel Nur-Ayya. Have him quadruple the troops on the battlents and do the sa with patrols. I want soldiers on the streets trying to figure out where these things are. Tell them to observe, not engage. I want mages inside the walls for now. Have the colonel assign at least three soldiers to every magic user. I want all of them guarded at all tis. Also bring the families inside the walls. The last thing we need is mages going out to check on loved ones.
Yes, Mystic, Ataneedusu said. Leaning to Xerxes, he said, See you later, Son.
Bye, Dad.
The higher-ranking mages went on to discuss more details of their plan to deal with Abhorrent, asking occasional bits of advice and input even from Gandash and Xerxes. For the frist ti, Xerxes was feeling what it was like to actually be part of the mages of the planet, and not just a student. It felt good.
Eventually, Aban-Saddi dismissed the Seers, telling them to go to sleep and be ready for further assignnts in the morning.
Xerxes father hadnt returned, but there were already troops lined up outside the door, ready to escort the mages who left the council room. Six of them were assigned to Xerxes and Gandash, and marched behind them as they made their way to the general sleeping quarters set aside for mages.
With soldiers virtually hovering over their shoulders, it was hard to make conversation. However, Xerxes was able to recount his foray into Harborview, and Gandash explained in detail what happened to him as part of Sheshs team.
I was totally useless, Gandash said. Like I have been this entire ti.
Dont say that, Xerxes said. Were only Seers, after all. Hows your chamber?
I have enough for one spell. Thats it. At least you know how to fight, Xerk.
Fighting isnt everything. Rember what happened at Ligish Castle? Your spellcasting saved my life. Keep your component pouch ready.
Yeah.
The soldiers took their responsibility seriously, leaving two of their number to guard the entrance door, and stationing the others in key locations both in the room and down the hall.
After laying on the bed, Xerxes was certain he would be woken up within minutes to hear about a massive wave of Abhorrent monsters storming the castle. The thought was so terrifying that he didnt think he could sleep. However, exhaustion caught up to him quickly, and before he realized it, he was snoring.
A nightmare woke him just before the sun rose, and he couldnt sleep after that. Everything was quiet; obviously, there hadnt been any sort of nightti assault on the keep. He lay in bed, thinking about how strange the world had beco, and wondering what the day would bring. Would they flee the city to try to draw out the Abhorrent? Or would Ninsunu finally convince Aban Saddi to have everyone hide in the castle?
Xerxes wasnt quite sure what his opinion was. If it ca to a vote, hed probably just go along with whatever side seed likely to win.
There were different soldiers in the room. Theyd obviously changed shifts during the night. There were also a few other sleeping forms.
He quietly left, escorted by three soldiers, to get breakfast. He hoped to go find his mother and sister after that, but before he could, word ca from Aban Saddi that everyone needed to gather for a eting. This ti, the council chamber was packed, not only with the mages who had been missing the night before, but also with governntal and military figures, including King Nabuhisnuisin and Colonel Nur-Ayya.
One of the mages to return was Fale of Od, who had been Bels ntor and close friend. She had the sa fair skin and hair as Bel and Captain Ishki, but her braids were longer and interspersed with bone jewelry. And her mage garnts were altered to be much more utilitarian and decidedly less modest.
Is it true? she yelled before she was even through the door. Is Bels corpse just sitting out there for the dogs and crows to eat?
Im sorry, Fale, said Aban Saddi.
Fale then unleashed a scream of rage that left Xerxes ears ringing and his chest tight as he suddenly found himself recalling the horror of the bridge.
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