Both the second and third nests were progressing nicely, and it was finally time for the big event. Fortysecond Spawn’s work to circumvent Master’s instructions had worked well to help him reach his next goal much faster. However, when he’d tried to even think about starting a fourth nest, a painful stab had stopped him from proceeding.
Perhaps once he had all three nests running up to full capacity, he could figure a way around the prohibitions again. Even better, though, would be if he never needed another nest. Achieving success with this mission was a much better outcome.
He straightened, pride filling him as he looked at the results of all their hard work. Colony First Breeder had really done well, not only producing vigorous hatchlings, but two more breeders for the other two nests.
The results stood before him, all eager and ready for their critical mission. The ten soldiers stood in two organized lines, radiating vibrant health and a lethal strength. Their claws, teeth and natural armor would be dangerous for anything that tried to stop them. Fortysecond Spawn had a hard time imagining any chaos beasts succeeding against them.
Behind him, the other members of the nest arrayed themselves in careful rows, showing their admiration and respect for the best of their nests.
“I am proud of you, our finest warriors.” Fortysecond Spawn drew on Master’s words that had inspired him the most as a hatchling. He’d rarely used the word proud, but when he did, it had been memorable. There was no better example of leadership. “All of us in our three colony nests have put our futures in your hands.”
The young spawn stood taller, pride in their fierce features.
“You will fight together to cross the chaos lands with the strongest leading the way. Each of you is vital to this mission. Even the ones who sacrifice themselves along the way are critical to ensuring your brothers make it back to our ancestral home. Without you, our entire race faces extinction. I know you understand this and am extremely proud of you.”
Their expressions were both solemn and honored, making Fortysecond Spawn wonder if this was how Master had felt sending him out that fateful day so long ago.
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“Is everyone ready?”
“Yes, Leader Fortysecond Spawn!” Their young voices barked back at him in perfect unison, giving even further evidence of their fine training and skills.
“Then, it’s time. May Master’s heritage guide you.” Fortysecond Spawn stepped to the side.
That was the sign for the other members of the nest to position themselves to either side of the exit ramp. They would give the departing squad a hero’s salute as they left to sacrifice their lives for the good of the nest.
When everyone was in position, the squad vibrated with eagerness to leave. Fortysecond Spawn motioned to the young spawn given the honor of opening the exit to the outside. With a quiet grunt of effort, the youth opened the heavy wooden door that led to the outside.
Up above, Fortysecond Spawn knew it was the dead of night, a time when most of the livestock had returned to their pens for rest. A brief frown crossed his face. He was so weary of the constant skulking to avoid notice by their food. He understood the reasons behind the precautions Master insisted on, but he couldn’t wait for the day when they could take their rightful place at the head of this entire land.
He just knew this endeavor would be the first step to reaching that goal. He chopped his hand down, giving them the signal they waited for. His newest and best cadre burst into action. They moved past him without hesitation, the only sound a soft swish of their bodies and their lean muscles propelled them out of the quiet, damp cool of their nest. They were fast, deadly and silent, his shadow warriors and the greatest hope for them all.
As the last one disappeared through the exit, Fortysecond Spawn stared for a long, silent minute, visualizing their perilous path back to the chaos lands and across them. Someone made a small squeak of impatience.
His eyes narrowed as he glared at the remaining nest members. Everyone kept their eyes turned away in appropriate respect, so he ignored the slip. Today was a day for celebration, after all. He motioned for the door attendant to close the exit. A thrum of satisfaction went through him at how quickly he obeyed.
Turning back to the others, he raised his hands. “Now, it is time for us to feast. The second squad will glut themselves on food to become even stronger, so we can make another attempt as soon as possible. Once they have fed, the rest of the nest may partake.”
He lowered his hands and turned away, signifying the end of the formalities. He smiled in what felt like a paternal pleasure as cheerful sounds filled the nest. The struggling noises of the livestock prepared for the feast only made his smile widen further in pleasure.
Master’s plan would work. One of their attempts would succeed, and then they’d be free to establish nests all over this bountiful land.