Chapter 807 (2/2)

The Weaver faction was represented by a rather young looking weaver, still the size of a gocart, and an ancient White Hunter. Even from this distance, it was clear that the White Hunter had already gone blind. But still, Lucretia felt those rheumy eyes fix on her.

So, this is the answer you had for the Queen of Talons? Lucretia thought with a small smile. Let’s see how deeply independence has allowed you to grow, Mr. Hunter.

As if following Lucretia’s train of thought exactly, Alta whispered. “They underestimate you Creta. They underestimate us both. Let us teach them regret.”

Lucretia’s grin widened. “Let us teach them providence. A Path shaped by our own hands, without relying on a godling for succor.”

Nodding shortly, Lyra took a step back away from the other two women’s knowing glance.. “I’ll assume my position.”

“Ah, good,” Alta grunted, a metal finger scratching the seat of the cart as she methodically drew it back and forth. “Don’t move unless you have to. And when you move… well, make them bleed.”

After Lyra left, Lucretia flexed her hands. “I’m going to be sad when this is all over. It has… well, I wouldn’t trade our time together for anything else.”

Alta snorted. “Don’t get soft on me now. We have some idiots to fool.”

*****

Alta stood straight for three hours while the inspectors scurried across her carts like ants. Besides her was Creta, as well as the four leaders of the opposition faction.

Everyone watched stiffly as the investigations were carried out.

While they looked over her decoys, Alta looked at those four leaders. Of them all, the Monster Prince stunk of fear sweat. Her new mechanical sensors likely weren’t even necessary; the boy was so green with fear that even Creta wrinkled her nose in distaste. For all that he had led, he was still withering before the impressive auras of Creta and herself.

Much more troublesome were the other three. The Monster Prince’s bodyguard was renowned for his ferocity. It was with relish that Alta saw the Monster kept his eyes fixed on Creta. The White Hunter panting feebly while they waited, but Alta wasn’t fooled for a second; those fuckers only seemed to grow more wily with age. She would know. For perhaps a dozen years, she had worked closely with a White Hunter of some renown.

His plans were the most insidious she had ever seen. It was a tragedy that he eventually grew disillusioned to her goals and called her mad and a liability. Then she had to silence him, which Alta knew had angered Creta. Not because of the loss of life, but because of how useful he was. Although Creta was becoming increasingly cold in regards to the plan, Alta knew the other woman would still see it through to the end.

Then why did she say that, about valuing our time? Alta wondered. Her scanners flicked to Creta, whose heart rate was sitting at a mind-boggling forty beats per minute. That woman’s iron nerve was impossible to understand. Was she testing me? Making sure my resolve hasn’t weakened…?

Of the two of them, Creta was the one who behaved more like a robot. These days, Alta felt out of control, full of outbursts and barely controlled fury. All the while, Creta kept her eyes on the prize. Alta’s eyes narrowed. There was no need. I’ll burn this all to hell, Creta. I’ll get you the vengeance that we have waited so long for.

And of them all standing there, Alta hated the Weaver the most. After her prior run-in with the Weaver leader, Alta would never be comfortable around them. They were so still it was disturbing.

Still her eyes scanned. Alta looked for traps, for hidden ambushes, and most of all, for the man who had been High King of the Earth Golems. Of all those who possessed a significant amount of power, he was the only unaccounted for force.

That she was aware of, at least.

Well, him and the entire population of Carthak, Alta thought as the steel appendages of her hand tightened in a grinding hunk of metal. It won’t be as satisfying to burn them all down without seeing that look of fear on their faces. Their loss of hope. Perhaps that is why we were so confidently received? Are they working together with this group? Hiding from me?

Alta’s fury mounted as her piercing scanners turned their attention back to the four individuals in front of her. Food was dangerously close to running out; even the Monster Prince’s deep pockets were emptied. Although the other side had attempted some experiments with the ruins, they didn’t have the know-how or the oomph to actually open a passage. Then needed Alta.

So even if they hated it…

Alta’s mouth stretched into a grin. Soon, they would let her in. The door would open. And then everything would end.