Chapter 788: Rogue (1/2)
Ilea stepped through the gate and appeared outside of Riverwatch, the small hill overlooking the town still very much the same as when she had first used it to take a nap. After reading some Fire magic books. She glanced up at the trees, knowing they could no longer support her. I’ve outgrown you.
She turned to the city and smiled, seeing the flying Sentinels, the war machines on the walls, wisp like Dark Ones and heavily armored defenders ready to repel any kind of attack on the city or the guests they were expecting.
The Taleen had agreed to meet with the Accords, unsurprisingly. Ilea just hoped they would consider the benefits of future cooperation instead of holding on to their ancient technology. She had no qualms about Aki taking over the Sphere and Source in turn. The Taleen had made their choices and these were just some of the consequences. At least Ormont seemed like he wants to do better.
She cracked her neck, wondering how the city would look with a few hundred or even a few thousand Guardians. I hope they can figure out reasonable deals with all the Guards, mercenaries, and merchants. Replacing all of that with efficient level two hundred machines will cause more than a few issues.
Ilea sat down on the ground and summoned herself a meal. Ah well, plenty of large minds on the job. Not like I have to worry about the economics of these things. As Helwart had said a few days prior, the Accords were growing fast. Ready to defend each other and help with trade and resources. Ilea was sure more would join after not only teleportation gates had entered the playing fields, but a literal army of ancient dwarven machines.
She assumed the addition of the Taleen themselves wouldn’t cause a large uproar, at least not within the human Plains. People barely even knew about the ruins they left behind, let alone anything about the people themselves. More dwarves, added to the ones from the Pit. The Cerithil Hunters could be an issue if the public knew about them, but she already had a few people in mind who could perhaps do something for the group’s image.
I’m sure she would like to meet her father again at one point or the other. Now that his main purpose is fulfilled, he should have time to do so.
Traveling was not an issue anymore either, Hallowfort reachable in perhaps half an hour to an hour if one had access to any teleportation gates.
And I can be there in less than a second, she thought with a smug smile on her face. Ah, first class space magic. She assumed the only better thing was literally being in more than one place in the fabric, perhaps something the Baron could manage. She herself was not quite there yet, but more than happy about her marks and the copious amounts of teleportation options available to her.
She glanced towards the small teleportation hub outside of the city and smiled, seeing the arrivals. People made way as Sentinels and war machines protected the entourage of Taleen dwarves. Just a random group of dwarves visiting the city for diplomatic talks.
Ilea wondered if the two days were enough for information to spread throughout the Plains. The various kingdoms and empires would surely be interested to participate as well, let alone the Lily. But it’s already too late.
Ilea spread her wings and flew up, finishing her meal as she watched the surrounding forests, the river, and Karth. She let herself fall before landing in front of the southern gate, waving at the group of dwarves and their protectors.
Ilea grinned at the barely concealed joy and excitement she saw in their faces, the older dwarves trying hard not to glare at the sky, trees, or the rushing water. Those born in Io were entirely lost. Ilea saw Hatta crouch down before she plucked some grass off the side of the road. “Welcome to Riverwatch,” she called out when they were in earshot.
“Lilith,” Ormont said, the dwarf blinking a little more than last time.
“Tears or bothered by the sunlight?” she asked.
“Both perhaps,” he sent back. “I do question how defensible this settlement is. Humans were never good at dealing with long range artillery and aerial attacks.”
“You grumpy old man. Forget the wars of old, or others might remember too,” she said, giving him a long look.
“I did not mean to offend, Ilea,” he sent back. “It’s just that…” he shook his head. “It is not easy to trust, after all this time.”
“That’s why there are written rules,” she sent.
“It’s all alive!” Hatta called out, some of the other dwarves making similar comments. She looked at Ilea and waved, uncaring for the childlike demeanor she presented, either that or simply too overwhelmed to consider her high status as a Maker of the Taleen.
Ilea didn’t miss the slight smile on Ormont’s face as he watched the others. He did not reprimand them. He didn’t even ask for order.
Passing adventurers and travelers smiled at the scene, some murmuring comments about mountain dwellers.
Ilea considered if the comment was racist in some manner but dismissed the thought when a part of the Accords came through the gates to welcome the dwarves.
Catelyn walked at the front, the fox still drawing some strange looks but generally because of her high level coupled with her appearance, not purely due to the latter.
“I am Catelyn of Hallowfort. We welcome you to Riverwatch. I hope the journey was not troublesome,” she said.
Ormont turned her way and bowed in a respectful manner. “It has been a long time since we have used teleportation gates, Dark One blessed by fire. I am most impressed that you have managed to adapt our technology to this extent.”
“There are talented enchanters among the peoples of the Accords,” Catelyn said. “Though more are always welcome. Please follow, we have prepared an estate for the talks, and for you to stay, should you wish to remain for some time.”
Ilea watched them go, nodding to the Sentinels at the rear of the loose formation, the team of four greeting her. She spread her wings and flew up, once again checking the forests, then glancing over the city itself. There were several hundred guards of various kinds, Shadows and even Shadowguards trained by Wayland himself.
Ilea flew down and checked her various sets of perception.
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Eyan watched the streets from the tavern’s balcony. She had chosen the location for both the great view of the main road leading to the city center, as well as the wonderful selection of cocktails the barkeep offered. Truly a visionary. A warm breeze flowed through her near golden hair, untamed today to seem more like an adventurer. The confident Neria, solo adventurer, thief, and smuggler. She didn’t just pretend to be her, she was her.
“Enjoying the sights?” Jacob asked as he joined her on the balcony. The man moved a hand through his thick black hair, smiling her way with a hungry look in his eyes.
Neria liked him. He wasn’t anywhere near her power, but she did enjoy some company when moving through the cities. He didn’t mind confident and strong women, nor did he think himself anything too special. A good man, one she might consider settling down with in a few decades.
Eyan on the other hand found him suitable for her current purpose. Another part of her disguise, and a way for her to seem trustworthy to those frequenting the Westfront tavern. And today she needed her disguise to be perfect. Since the previous night had begun, and all throughout the morning, more people had arrived. Guards, warriors, Shadows, Sentinels, even the war machines from the northern dwarven town of the pit.
She had spotted several high level individuals searching through the city. Riverwatch was preparing for something, though she didn’t know how important the event really was. The Accords had copious amounts of resources, especially in their trained adventuring personnel. So far she didn’t consider the events enough to alert her contact in the city. The Heavenly Sweets would learn everything she learned in her weekly report.
Eyan had made the call in the morning, but by now she was getting a little restless. The guards had not stopped coming. It would be difficult to reach her contact without anyone at least seeing her. She spotted a group of high level Shadows moving past on a roof just a few streets away. Adventurers she had seen before during her stay in Virilya a few years prior.
Should I have informed them? It was too late to have doubts. All she could do now was learn everything she possibly could.
Eyan turned away and looked at Jacob, smiling a knowing smile as she sipped on her drink. She didn’t miss the group of Shadowguards on the opposite roof, using the glass balcony door to keep them in her peripheral vision. Did they spot me?
“Any idea what this is about?” she asked Jacob, turning her attention to the guards moving through the street below.
“There are more guards around than usual,” Jacob said, being very obvious as he leaned over the balcony railing.
Yes. Good boy. Nobody truly dangerous could be this oblivious, Eyan thought as she put a thoughtful expression onto her face. They’re not leaving. She felt something approach, nearly moving her head to the side when she perceived the presence. A mind. A warning. Someone with a powerful mental defense and presence. Stronger than anything she had ever felt before. She took a sip from her drink when she felt the presence stop in the air about fifty meters away. Don’t look up.
The presence vanished. Entirely.
Eyan took in a deep breath and looked to the sky. Her eyes widened when she saw the black wings move in slow motions. An ash clad woman floated in the air, blue eyes staring right at her.
“It did seem like you noticed me.” a voice spoke into her mind.
Eyan made herself stagger back and hit the railing, nearly dropping her drink before she stabilized the glass with both hands. She smiled and looked around in confusion before glancing up at the flying person. Her performance was perfect. “Me?” she asked, pointing at herself.