Taenori glanced around her office with a slightly weary expression. The assembled Athar were in varying degrees of anxiety. Some were openly nervous, others feigned indifference. However, the Matriarch herself had little understanding of what was happening. If one of the many priestesses infiltrated into Eltruun's army had sent these strange reports, everything would have been clear. This meant she had been exposed and some kind of game was being played. But! These reports were practically duplicated by all the contacts. After the information Eltruun provided about the battle with Khitan, a multitude of questions arose, and after the initial interrogations of Sariyeharna, their number increased tenfold. The Matriarch's personal eash was carefully checking all of the half-breed's contacts, but there were no results yet. Taenori didn't believe Sariyeharna was working alone. She wasn't alone—none of the trusted high priestesses believed it. And now these reports... Ishakshi has fallen... Erruu is dead... Impossible. Unbelievable. Taenori would never have believed them if not for the message from Eltruun. She, of all people, would have found a way to signal the mission's failure. But no—everything was correct. Not a single secret sign or deliberate mistake... And what a kid! Yes, he was strong, but Taenori never thought he could kill that hateful creature Erruu single-handedly. Oh, it's a pity she wasn't there! If only she could kick his corpse just once... Maybe that's it? Dump everything on Arisna, a couple of days of grueling travel—and she'll be able to trample his remains to her heart's content... Although they'll probably be brought back to the House anyway, so all is not lost... The order must be given before the Matriarch in our House changes...
- Taenori? Sister!
This is Arisna. Tearing herself away from her pleasant thoughts, the Matriarch realized she'd been staring at Ehaer this whole time, causing him to turn whiter than the legendary snow and grip the armrests of his chair so tightly that his well-manicured nails dug into the soft leather upholstery. Smiling, Taenori looked at Arisna almost gratefully and, glancing around at all the family members, announced:
"I have a message for all of you. Whether you believe it or not is up to you. But first, a small digression..." Taenori sighed and steeled herself. "The day before yesterday, I didn't tell the whole truth. Asheras is not dead, Atere and Arichitos are also alive, Isites was unharmed. They gathered their most loyal troops and marched on Ishakshi immediately after the battle with Khitan's Tatrett." Despite the fact that there weren't many Atara in the room, a commotion arose. To continue, Taenori slammed her palm on the table, causing the ancient artifact to topple over and, switching off, roll across the tabletop with a clatter. In the ensuing silence, Taenori replaced it and, after waiting for it to power up, continued: "I deliberately distorted the information in order to catch a traitor in our family." "The Matriarch glanced around at those present with a solemn, saddened gaze. "It turned out to be Sariharna. Eltruun carried out his detention." Deep down, Taenori expected shouts, noise, and demands, but an oppressive silence hung in the office. "The evidence is irrefutable—he was captured, so to speak, while transmitting a message using a complex book-artifact. The interrogation results are inconclusive, and all his contacts are currently being processed. Now, about the reason I gathered you here." The Matriarch took a deep breath and said solemnly: "Eltruun reports that Ishakshi has been destroyed and burned, Erruu is dead, Elviaran and Aerisniari have been rescued. The outskirts of the city are currently being looted."
Once again, the Matriarch misjudged her response—the announcement was met with even greater silence. It seemed as if those gathered had even stopped breathing. The silence was broken by Arisna's voice:
– How much can we trust this information?
"Eltruun set out at the head of seven swift-strike tatretts. I have several loyal priestesses there—they're duplicating the main events, adding only their own descriptions."
The Atar began to come alive, actively exchanging signs. Ehaer also asked a question:
- But Erruu? How did they deal with him?
"Eltruun reports that Asheras has become one with his elemental, granting him a nearly impenetrable defense against mind attacks. Furthermore, his mastery over the Element of Fire has extended to the Crimson Flame. This proto-power is completely obedient in his hands. Eltruun assures her that she has never seen anything like it."
- All the same... Almost alone...
"Not alone—the Goddess converted the captured priestesses of Khitan into the atar of our House. Now he has over forty high priestesses of House I'si'tor, absolutely obedient and loyal to him..."
* * *
I didn't think I'd get bored, but I did. While waiting for news from scouts and reinforcements, I cleaned my bhatellite terami. The Atretas around me had the expressions of human policemen who caught their country's president peeling an orange with the family flamberge. What else was I supposed to do? Rifle through the motloh of things that looters were constantly pilfering? I had no business in the actual assault—I'd already tried, and three senior priestesses were just extinguishing the remains of the neighboring building. Treat the wounded? There would be plenty of our own, but I'm not particularly interested in the illithid slaves. They're already being treated during the separation into purebreds and hybrids. Among the few purebreds, there isn't a single firefly, only Atretas, five gnomes, three dwarves... It must be said that the slaves aren't even thinking about rebellion, and only a few resist, but they die during the cleansing. I think that with the illithids' departure from the city, something else that sustained their slaves and gave them the will to live disappeared as well. It doesn't really matter. I hope that after we brainwash them with Darkness, they'll be able to return to normal life... If not, the altars also need to be soaked with sacrificial blood... Although, to me, this seems like another justification for wasting resources. The captives are guarded by hisns and two pairs of senior priestesses. Personally, I think panthers would have sufficed, but what if?
I look around with languid interest. Tatrett works like clockwork, a veritable conveyor belt: while a couple of Areks rest on furniture dragged from houses, others clear out another building, and still others loot. It finally dawned on Arichitos that there was no point in her orders or even participating in the cleanups, and she'd given herself over to a "gold rush." This manifested itself in her rummaging through the mountain of vile metal, occasionally pausing to find yet another amusing or beautiful trinket. Everything would be fine—it happens to everyone—but she just adorns herself with them all at once, becoming like a Christmas tree...
A wave of nostalgia washed over me... It seems I'll never see my family home again or hear my grandfather's stories... And if I suddenly appeared there by some miracle, what would I say? Hello, am I your son reincarnated? All I have left is my memory... Digging through the memories of my previous life, I sadly discovered that they had faded, were starting to fade. After all, this life is so much brighter and better than the last. Who was I there? And who have I become here? Although, if you think about it, nothing has fundamentally changed—only the scale has shifted. There I was simply a killer, here a destroyer... On the other hand, I've always enjoyed killing, fighting. So why am I so insecure? The answer is simple: before, I killed only a few, and now tens of thousands, practically with my own hands. I chuckled, but maybe that's not the point? Maybe the goal has simply been achieved, and I'm used to always seeing it ahead? Constantly, even in my rare dreams...
Suddenly, a large male hisna, perched on the roof of one of the already searched buildings, let out a low, deep roar. The unexpected sound from such a large cat attracted everyone's attention. Having renewed my defenses, I didn't even think of leaving my makeshift rookery. Yes, the illithids had retreated. Yes, we were in enemy territory. But most likely, these were reinforcements, and even if they weren't, I wasn't on the front lines, was I? There were plenty of those around who could fight in the front lines, and they would give me time to strike.
And here comes the expected tatrett: at the head of the street, horsewomen on hisnas appeared. A brief exchange of signs – and reinforcements are among us.
While the arriving Tatrett was settling in and exchanging greetings, I noticed a large detachment approaching, led by six Athar. Hmm, that's my four guards, accompanied by Atere's Ariir. Yeah, Atere's probably chasing his mother like a little dog. He's probably completely lost his mind... Among the Ariir, Seah and Leah stand out. They're wearing no white masks, no clothes, no armor, and no weapon sheaths. A couple of silk ribbons, a few artifacts, and short boots. And they possess immense magical power...
Before they reached me, they dismounted and, approaching, knelt down, bowing their heads. Hm. What are they doing? Atar bow to no one but the gods! They merely bow their heads before a Matriarch. Atretases kneel before a god's gaze. Orin prostrate themselves. Slaves, however, are unworthy of being presented before the great gods. Of course, there are many exceptions to the rule, but only in a relaxed manner. For example, if an Atretas is a thousand years old, they may kneel before a god, and so on. The same applies to Orin—upon reaching a certain age, they are granted the privilege of kneeling and even speaking with the god. Matriarchs, especially those of the Great Houses, as well as the supreme Arir, are completely outside the system.
Watching the Ariry kneel, everyone around me falls silent. Fragments of thoughts race through my head. What should I do? Okay, so Eltruun decided to kneel on the battlefield—to hell with her—but the Ariry... The silence stretches on... I need to say something. And I need to do it—it seems the first arrivals won't dare speak.
"I'm listening to you..." I had to use all my self-control to keep my voice from showing my excitement and hide it behind laziness.
Seah and Leah raise their heads and begin to speak simultaneously, their voices merging into one:
- Elviaran wishes to see you, lord.
It gives me goosebumps. I notice that it's not just me who's feeling uneasy—the Atretases around us are visibly turning pale.
- Well, I'm ready. We'll set off immediately.
Rising from my resting place, I throw out:
- Follow me.
So, you didn't take Miss? I'll have to fly again. The Phoenix responded immediately, and, cloaked in Fire, I soared effortlessly into the air. The camp is nearby, and it's just a couple of full wingbeats away, but I'm waiting for my escort to arrive at the same time.
Landing at the entrance to the communal cave on the edge of the ashen wasteland, I looked with irritation at the remnants of my clothes, miraculously clinging to me. Looking back, I noticed the vampiress walking toward me. Waiting for her to approach, I spoke, beating her to the greeting and other honors:
- I need clothes.
The vampire, a happy smile on her face, began unfastening her jacket. Quickly approaching her, I cupped her face in my hands, noticing the coolness of her skin. I asked softly, looking into her eyes:
- What is your name?
- Eirin, Lord of Asheras.
- Erin, I'm asking you, just bring a spare one.
Releasing her, I watched her disappear behind the rock. While I waited for her clothes, I watched my escort unsaddle, so to speak, the hisn. In the distance, I spotted a hurrying group of three horsewomen—one of them, judging by the abundance of gold trinkets, was Arichitos. Had they been summoned too?
A short time later, I felt movement behind me. I lazily turned and found the vampire kneeling. She held a folded set of clothes in her outstretched arms, her head bowed. On top of it lay a pair of boots. A little too big, but oh well... With a sigh, as I began to unlace the remains of my boots, I chanced a glance at Eirin and retreated behind the nearest rock formation. I exchanged my rags for fresh clothes, emerged from the nook, and handed Eirin the black ribbon. After she styled my hair into a small, short ponytail, I addressed the four priestesses waiting for me:
"Take me to Elviaran." He turned to the vampiress. "Follow us."
Seah and Leah went ahead. Then me and a little behind me were my two modified ones.
We approached a small building that had recently been the local guard's barracks. Here were the officers' quarters. A pair of priestesses from the Guard guarded the entrance. Upon seeing me, they knelt. Seah and Leah entered the room before me, again speaking simultaneously, their heads bowed slightly:
- Lord Asheras has arrived...
They stepped aside to let me pass and froze. Kerat and Tashi, who had followed us into the room, also moved aside and stood next to the sisters.
Inside, I found a whole crowd of Eldar gathered around the bandaged figure of Elviaran. It seemed all the senior officers of our army had gathered here for a war council. I knew some of them well—Isites, Atere, Arichitos. Some I'd only seen a couple of times in my life, and some for the first time. Upon seeing me, they all knelt for a second. Aerisnitari didn't do so—she merely nodded reservedly. My gaze flicked over her, then I closed my eyes and nodded slightly.
The high priestesses huddled behind Eltruun were more interesting. They were obviously the commanders of the Tatrett who had arrived from the House. Their lithe yet muscular bodies were concealed by light armor. Although the Eldar have an extremely slow rate of muscle growth, with Eltruun at their head, they looked like bodybuilders compared to the graceful Athar. I looked at their faces. Beautiful. I wondered if they were made of Erstet. I felt certain they were. Hiding behind masks, their expressions were imperturbable. They showed no emotion, but fear gleamed in their eyes. Were they afraid of me? If I wanted to kill them, they would already be dead. However, the uncertainty was also unnerving... Glancing at their clothing and weapons, I noted that they had some individuality, though not as decorated as Eltruun's.
I looked at Elviaran and was surprised to see her black, interested eyes shining through the blue ribbons of her silk bandage. Smiling, I bowed my head. And, moving closer, I said:
– I see your recovery is going better than I expected.
Elviaran nodded slightly and said in a weak voice:
- Thank you.
Aerisnitari emerged from the shadows at the head of the bed:
"Well, everyone's here. We can begin discussing and planning our future plans." Her gaze slid behind me. Seeing something there, she narrowed her eyes slightly. Turning her gaze to me, she said, "What does the goddess say?"
Diving into my gift for a second, I replied:
- Nothing yet.
"Then we must go with the flow. Our first problem: Ishakshi is too vast and incredibly rich. Even all the small change we've collected so far," Aerisnitari glanced pointedly at Arichitos, draped in gold trinkets, "we won't be able to carry to the House. There are eight full, fast-flowing rivers along the way, plus the Gorge of Blood. Therefore, using the undead is pointless... If we want to bite off and swallow this big morsel, we need something completely different. After consulting, we decided to create a 'Far Portal.' For that, we'll need two Focus Stars, which means four hundred victims. We have enough captives..." I stirred, attracting her attention; I didn't want to interrupt. "Yes, Asheras?"
"I need every pure-blooded Eldar, both dark and light. The Goddess will elevate them, bolstering our army and strengthening our House, so they are far more valuable than vile metal. When word gets out in Alveristas," I grinned, "that Ishakshi has been destroyed, and..." I looked Aerisnitari meaningfully in the eyes, "Elviaran has been saved, we'll have major problems. We may well need every priestess, ari, or even just atretas. I understand that in our situation, we can't squander resources, of course, but every athar will be far more important and valuable to us than a hundred gold bars."
- And what to do then?
"There are survivors in the city, I've seen them. And there won't be four hundred of them, but, I think, easily tens of thousands, mostly half-breeds. And before you continue," I deliberately said "you," reminding everyone that our social standing was at least equal, "I warn everyone: if you discover a pure-blood or anything interesting, try to capture them. I repeat: we will need athar in the future. And anyone who doesn't become one will be sold. Also gold." Turning my gaze to the completely lost high priestesses, I added, "Let the commanders of their tatretts convey this simple message to every priestess. But don't go overboard: the lives of our soldiers are more valuable than potential prisoners."
When I fell silent, Aerisnitari exchanged glances with Elviaran and said:
"The decision has been made. What about the two black dragons?"
I sighed:
"Unfortunately, they refused to swear allegiance to the House, even when I offered them Atar status... All I achieved was that they swore allegiance to me. They will be loyal to our House as long as I live."
Aerisnitari's mask of indifference vanished, and the ancient woman grimaced with displeasure. The corner of my mouth twitched, and I decided to clarify a few details:
– To be honest, I haven't encountered the Far Portal spell.
Aerisnitari waved her hand and calmly replied:
"And he shouldn't have—this spell is considered Great. Moreover, it pertains to Order-Chaos, meaning it's only available to those who have fully trained in one of the Forces. It's extremely energy-consuming, but with so many great priestesses, it can be overlooked. By the way, Asheras, who taught you the spells of the Forces of Life and Death? I see a high Ithrir behind you. My son told me an interesting fact: you created it practically in the heat of battle. And using only force."
Interesting. I didn't even know I'd created a higher one. As far as I remember, higher vampires can't be created just like that. Now everyone's surprise is understandable. On the other hand, I created her on a battlefield where magic was raging. In such places, even spontaneous raising is possible. I need to figure this out and re-examine my understanding of the book.
"Did Atere remember to tell me where I live? I reside in the Matriarch's quarters in the Border of Darkness. And you must remember what a small, yet extremely capacious, library it has. Some of the books stored there are truly unique. As for my teachers—four years ago, the Eternal One provided me with four…"
"Well," Aerisnitari chuckled, "that clears up a lot. We still need to discuss a few things about our shared future." She exchanged glances with the bandaged athar and, as if gathering her resolve, said, "You understand that we'll have to remove Taenori?" The Ancient One stopped me with a raised hand. "I'm aware of your suspicions about her..."
She fell silent, collecting her thoughts, and I, taking advantage of this, interrupted her speech:
"For my part, I only ask for leniency toward my mother. Besides, there are rumors that she's pregnant."
Aerisnitari bowed her head.
"Taenori, taking advantage of your spontaneous expedition, spread the word that you were dead. Everyone with access to this information was placed under close surveillance, and... my son, your father, Sariharna, was captured by Eltruun while transmitting a message to our enemies. So Taenori is, at the very least, above suspicion for now..."
I lowered my head too. It wasn't like I knew my father well or held him particularly dear. Come to think of it, I'd only seen him a couple dozen times... But still, what I heard was unpleasant and rather distressing. The sound of a chair being pulled up came from behind. Casting a grateful glance at the vampiress, I collapsed on it, covering my face with my right hand. Mustering my strength, I pulled myself together and looked at Eltruun:
- Did he say anything significant?
She lowered her eyes and said quietly:
"Sariyeharna is my finest student. I've poured into him almost everything I've gained with the blood I've shed in battle: experience, knowledge, a variety of techniques. When I came to you, I heard in passing that he easily withstood the Small Torture Complex... It's entirely possible he won't say anything, even in front of the Arirs of Elos's children. If that happens, he'll be handed over to the gods, and we'll only be left hoping that at least some scraps of information will reach us..."
I looked at Eltruun:
"Well, that's all clear... But what will the army say? Whose side will you take? Ours, or perhaps my mother's?"
"I'm curious, why are you asking me this?" Despite her impassive expression, her eyes sparkled with laughter.
I smiled:
"Look around, and you'll understand everything..." I transparently hinted at her impenetrable authority among the high priestesses.
More specifically, of the Tatrett commanders present at our council, not a single one uttered a sound, not even to express agreement with her. They actually huddled behind Eltruun, as if hiding from our attention. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Aerisnitari's smirk and a fleeting expression of displeasure on Arichitos's face.
"I would like you, Asheras, not to involve the Atretases of our House in your squabbles, but if there is no other way out, we will of course take your side."
– I think your wish can be fulfilled.
Eltruun bowed her head in satisfaction. Turning my gaze to Elviaran, I was surprised to notice her bandaged, nearly fully formed hands and feet.
– How long will the recovery last?
"About ten days," Aerisnitari replied, "and another ten days for the scars to fade."
- You should take your sister out and show her the ruins of this damned city.
Atar smiled and, picking up her sister's bandaged body, headed for the exit. I followed her with my guards. Eltruun and her subordinates followed us.
When we emerged, Aerisnitari knelt down, holding her sister in her arms so she could better view the ruins. Tears glistened in the bandaged Atar's eyes at the sight of the ruins.
Taking advantage of the fact that the two sisters were distracted, I quickly approached Eltruun:
"Assign two Tatretts to patrol the area along the ravine on our side of the city." Turning his gaze to the commanders, he added, "I need the accumulator. As soon as you find it, notify me immediately."
Atere peeled himself away from his mother's shadow and joined us:
"What are we going to do with the central hive? Sending rank-and-file Atretas there to purge them would be a useless death."
- Why? Do you think there are still illithids there?
- Sure.
I thought for a moment and looked at the huge hive palace rising in the distance.
"I'm afraid, Atere, you'll need to supplement your group of Ariris with a dozen Golden Guards and handle this personally. I'm even afraid I'll have to join you. Yes. That's what we'll do. We'll take one Tatrett to oversee the cleared area."
Eltruun frowned and said:
"The Atretases are exhausted from catching up with you, Asheras. And many need rest. Perhaps we should take a short break?"
I frowned:
"Yes, you're right. I haven't slept for almost a day myself. Will six or seven hours be enough for you?"
Eltruun turned her head to her officers and looked at them questioningly.
- I think yes.
With that, the council concluded. First, Eltruun and her retinue departed, and then, nodding to her sister, I followed with my entourage. As I left, I noticed Atere place his hand on Aerisnitari's waist. It seemed Atere and his mother were bound by more than family ties. Then again, one shouldn't meddle in someone else's monastery with one's own rules...