Elinor listened to Camellia’s articulate and detailed voice with a distant focus as she sat at the edge of the open hut door. The grass curtain had been drawn to the side, the cool night air brushing against her skin and making the grass bundle sway.

One of Esmeralda’s Intermediate Black Witches looked annoyed while maintaining the communication network. Her agitation was likely due to what she’d heard regarding Rylee’s Gray Coven. No doubt she thought this reflected terribly on all the witches in the empire, yet, to Elinor there was a lot to consider, given the information the spider had provided.

Her fingers ghosted to her ear again, the absence of her phylactery an unsettling reminder of her current state as Death Energy leaked out of her body. She was weakening, and Butter’s slow return wasn’t helping her mood. It would be days, perhaps even longer, before Butter reached the valley at her current pace, and Elinor didn’t have that luxury.

She glanced at Quin, standing guard near the hut. There are a lot of moving pieces to this puzzle right now. The fact I didn’t realize the loss in citizens and Camellia’s timeline puts the Xaltan attack right after my phylactery breaks and I gain many more citizens, masking the decrease… My movements are being watched.

Looking into the distance from the hut’s raised position, overseeing the valley, she stared at the mountains that loomed in the distance, massive and unmoving.

Shade is the obvious suspect, given he is spread throughout the whole planet…but Jennifer has far more influence and power given what Camellia explained. Could it be a bluff to make me hesitate?

Her gaze drifted toward the fortress of Kel’mal’tha standing proud on the northern shelf, its ominous presence casting long shadows over the sea of trees in the orange glow cast from the dying sun. The rain clouds had gathered north of it, pulled in by the strange force that swirled around the valley’s highest mountain.

It would be so much easier to respond to things if I owned that city… Soon.

She looked past it, where Valentina was with Black, Ash, and Grace, dealing with the captured tiger girl’s issues.

The Clanless aren’t valuable for their combat aptitude but their number added to my citizen count. Grace, Ash, and Black should have gotten there by now and rescued her… I can still hear her prayers as if distant echoes, though. Maybe I was right to send three General-tier units to support her if she still isn’t free.

Her gaze narrowed while zeroing in on the far side of the valley, too distant to discern the finer details, but her thoughts were already racing. Camellia was waiting for an answer as to what she should do, but there was a problem she had to address first.

The Xaltan aren’t the problem…not really, she hummed, fiddling with the wooden microphone in her hand that would allow her to communicate across the valley. Their newfound abilities with the thélméthra eggs is certainly unexpected. If I’d learned about this before entering Roman’s world, then I would have been concerned. However, I now have an intimate understanding of their capabilities after channeling a drone spirit myself.

Her mouth tilted to the side while spotting the many Delthax citizens, whispering to one another and discussing the change in leadership after their chief’s death.

The Xaltan warriors poison themselves, and quickly, by ingesting thélméthra eggs. It’s a suicide act, and a potent one, yet they aren’t nearly as potent as my ability to utilize thélméthra features. For one, they cannot create their own silk, merely taking on their stealth, senses, and resilience aspects, none of which mean a lick to someone like Camellia.

If it was a single drone, then the students in the Kaspir Kingdom’s ceremony would have been able to kill one fairly easily. It was due to my Death Energy reserve, strategy, and [Artificial Body] that I became such a threat…

They have learned to use her old thread, though…and it’s stronger than her current since Camellia’s powers are currently limited until I unlock the next Grade. That shouldn’t matter in the end. Yes, War should have struggled, but won against those odds, as would his siblings. Especially with the Firewalkers of the Roxim regaining their Mysticism. Plus, there was an entire coven of witches there… A coven of witches that disappeared.

Leaning her head against the back of the doorframe, her crown pressed against the side of her head while shifting to stare at the expectant and frowning Black Witch.

It’s worse than she thinks… The Gray Coven was turned against me, which should be impossible. There’s no other way they’d get past the wards, even with the thélméthra powers. Rylee’ s group specializes in that style of defensive rituals. An entire coven, save for one witch, turned on me… How?

Her fingers traced the wooden microphone she held, her eyes flicking back to the glowing-eyed skull effigy that waited silently for her command. She had her suspicions.

“Camellia,” Elinor called, her voice low but commanding and making the witch hold her breath, waiting for what came next. The response was immediate, the thélméthra Executioner’s tone laced with happy compliance, ready to do anything ordered.

“Yes, Empress?”

“Strip Zara and check her body. Head to toe. Look for any markings, anything unusual.”

“W-What?” Zara choked, possibly having difficulty maintaining her ritual with the shock. “Hey…you don’t need to rip them to shreds. I only have one extra set… “ she mumbled. “Wait, why are you having her do this, Empress? Did I…did I do something wrong?”

“I’ve already scanned her before, and done it again, Empress. There’s nothing that I can detect, other than puss pockets, clogged pores, and the need for better hygiene.”

“I’m in the jungle without a washer or good products,” the sixteen-year-old defended. “Geez. Well, I’m self-conscious now.”

Elinor bypassed the teen’s balks, studying the darkening horizon again while explaining her thoughts aloud. “All of your powers stem from me, or, more specifically, your faith in me as your empress. It’s impossible to do your rituals without that, yet I am certain the rest of your coven has turned against me, likely mind controlled in some way to believe they’re still serving me.”

“My sister, too?!” Zara gasped. “I mean, everyone was acting kind of strange the last day or two… I messed up yesterday. Rylee, Hilda, and Carla were acting a bit off, mainly Carla after she went out alone with Sofia. Sofe was a little…more aggressive, I think, too. Usually she’d just shrink back when arguments came up and try not to get a part of it but she was kind of putting herself out there, which wasn’t normal for her. War had Rylee do a lot of ritual checks.”

Closing her eyes, Elinor chuckled softly while leaning her head against the wood. “He knew something wasn’t right and didn’t have the time or means to identify it, so he accepted the loss… I bet that’s what he did so as not to cause more casualties. He weighed the risks and took this chance to get a better grasp about what the enemy was planning.”

She held a hand over her chest, feeling through the threads to all her citizens and undead to reach him, despite her Seed being unstable.

All of my Horsemen were upgraded with [Rising Empire: 2nd Petal]’s advancement. He’s consolidating his strength. I need to bring war to Red, and then he can act… You sly redheaded devil. You’re right in the middle of their camp, right in the position to save the very witches that imprisoned you. What a man of honor…

A smile growing, Elinor pushed herself to her feet and put the microphone to her mouth. “I don’t think they’ll be ready for War. Camellia, bring Zara her second pair of clothes, if you can find it, and then bring the messenger. I bet Jennifer will be using them as a puppet.”

“I-I’m fine, Empress,” Zara protested, clearly not while being butt naked in the jungle but trying to be strong. “I just want to save my sister… Is there a way to save her without resurrecting her?”

“Trust Red,” she replied, leaning her back against the doorframe to stare at the effigy. “And, Camellia, expect the messenger to do something dramatic like explode or spontaneously combust when it’s over.”

“Yes, Empress. I’ll keep a cocoon ready.”

“In the meantime, Zara,” Elinor prompted, searching her memory to get a clearer picture of the short, curly brown-haired sixteen-year-old girl she was speaking to, “I expect your ritual is only temporary. Am I correct?”

“Uh, yes, Empress… I really want to do something to help. Is there any—oh, one second, the Xaltan I’m using is about to turn into a raisin. I just need to roll the next one onto the ritual circle. Call back in one sec. Sorry!”

Elinor chuckled as the nineteen-year-old Black Witch rolled her eyes and shook her head. “Go ahead, speak your mind.”

“Why don’t you use a Chain Ritual with linking life—and she’s gone. Freaking Apprentice Witches. Empress, wouldn’t it be better if the Black Coven went to set up the Forward Base? A White Circle is currently at the Crystal Camp. Both Warlock Covens could create an acid cloud to fall over the Xaltan and melt the skin off their bones—easy win.”

Glancing down at the wooden microphone that Kaya had created for her Intermediate advancement trial, creating a new ritual. “I don’t hear much about Tiffany’s Covens or your progression since she mostly handles her own field…but if I were to follow what you suggest, Cielo, It would melt the flesh off of loyal witches and Roxim who have put their faith in me.”

Cielo’s eyes lowered to the floor. “Wasn’t it their fault for being captured and used against you? They can be resurrected, too. It feels worth it.”

Elinor sighed, the young woman refusing to look her in the eyes. “Think a little outside of the Black Circle mind state for a moment and consider all sides. If you’re going to try to be a Circle Leader, then think about the future rather than the simple immediate results. Why would I want to poison the jungle, possibly upset the ecosystem, and create future problems I’d need to handle? A scorched earth policy certainly has its place but mainly to serve as an example.”

She turned her narrowed eyes back to the valley, thinking about the woman who had initially gotten her mother captured by the ri’bot in the first place. “Why do you think Jennifer pushed the Xaltan to take this path when it is likely outside of their typical behavior? It’s because she knows it will work on me… She doesn’t know everything about me, though. And neither do you, it seems,” she whispered, getting a defeated grunt from the young, ambitious witch.

“Running an empire that will not crumble at the slightest pushback is a difficult task, and one can learn a great many lessons by watching its administration. So, observe, and grow outside of that dark mind state that drew you to the Black Coven. Perhaps you’ll learn something important that will help you surpass your Coven leader by doing so.”

Cielo looked up at her with a hopeful smile, refocusing as Zara’s somewhat distant and confused voice returned over the flickering eyes of the effigy.

“Umm… I’m having trouble with—”

“Your blood lines are too thin for the amount of power you’re trying to pump through them,” Cielo quickly replied, trying to show a smile. “Redraw them and call back.”

“Oh! Yeah, you’re right. Thank you—Camellia, you found them?”

“It’s not difficult to follow your scent trail.”

“Thanks… I smell. That makes me happy. Be right back.”

A questioning look crossed Cielo’s face as she studied her. “Aren’t you…annoyed at all the incompetencies and mistakes, Empress? We’re wasting valuable time. Aren’t we?”

Folding her arms, a small smirk lifted Elinor’s lips while looking out across the busy Delthax camp, preparing for the war. “It’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture when walking in the present. You could consume yourself with doubts and second guess yourself by stressing about things you have no control over.”

She gave the witch an approving nod. “You did good there, supporting Zara instead of harping on her. She’s trying and in a very stressful position. Her sister is being mind controlled and captured with all the girls she’s come to think of as friends. I’m sure just hearing another witch offering her advice helps more than you know, no matter the coven. That’s leadership.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

Cielo seemed to pull in, reflecting on her words before Zara reconnected. “Okay, I’m back, Empress—”

“And dressed in her weak fabric,” Camellia reported. “I could weavy my own silk into it to make it stronger.”

“If you’re bored and need something to do,” Elinor laughed. “Bring the messenger forward.”

“Right here! He has a metal wrist thing and an ax that hums like the white toads that were to the west.”

“H-High Warrior Fennel?!” Zara gagged. “That mark… Empress, he has a red palm print on his chest with an eye on it. Is…is that what they did to my sister?!”

“Interesting…” The voice that responded was not of the gruff, military leader of the Roxim but the sultry feminine tone of Jennifer. “His spiritual fight grew stronger when you said that name, Zara. He may break free of my control before I get a chance to finish our chat… And where did you find this monster of a predator, Elinor? You shouldn’t have been able to summon and bind her soul yet. Unfortunate.”

Camellia’s intrigued hum came through. “The cadence of a female ri’bot yet the scent of a male… How unnatural. My middle sister would find you interesting. She likes playing with her food.”

“I’m sure she does, and yes, Zara, I do have control over your sister. It’s a shame you were hidden away well enough that I couldn’t get to you before the Xaltan took control. Your sister is worried sick about you. You should come home. Soon, they’ll have far more power than what the Empress can give you.”

Elinor’s chest shook with laughter as her sharp eyes darted to the glowing-eyed effigy. Valdar, the newly promoted Chief Kole, and Xaria Ectria walked into view. The Plant Caller no doubt had been listening through his abilities, and Plant Caller Nina came jogging out from behind them, lagging behind with Aileen Banks trailing beside her—it had been a while since Elinor had seen the 12-year-old German Dryad Faekin.

“A bluff,” Elinor pointedly stated, silencing the cult member. “The moment you realized Camellia was raised and had a chat with your disembodied bestie downstairs, you knew you had to cut your losses. He didn’t anticipate the gains I’d make when outside of his ever-watchful gaze, and neither did you…”

She walked closer to the communication device, spotting Cielo’s eyes sparkling with delight at her tone. “You underestimated me. How much damage are you trying to do to me with the Xaltan’s suicidal gambit? Your aim isn’t victory. You’re stalling for Krava to return with the Great Clan War Council.”

“Well, well, well,” Jennifer said with a slightly annoyed tone that showed a bit of effort; Fennel was fighting her control. “You’ve got it all figured out, Empress, don’t you? I’d hoped to have a chat to see if we could come to an agreement, but Revilla will show me the truth in your downfall… As guarded as you are, you do have weaknesses even you do not realize. In time, Empress of the Dead… In time. Damn this frog.”

Toad, Elinor internally corrected, but a low groan followed—Fennel’s voice.

“Mmmgm. Empress… She does not need the Xaltan but what…agh! She requires what is buried beneath the hatch—”

Elinor grimaced as a rush of muffled noise followed, Zara’s soft tone low and melancholy. “He…exploded, Empress. Queen Camellia stopped it, but…the bones are even melting. It’s like his blood is acidic. And right after he got his Mysticism… I’m sad. He was actually kind of nice to us.”

“Mmm. My thread is being eaten through,” the curious spider whispered. “It doesn’t taste bad. It’s not terrible. I could incorporate its chain structure but it wouldn’t really impress my middle sister.”

She caught the scowls on Valdar’s wrinkled face at the exchange. And, despite how they’d started their antagonistic relationship, Elinor felt an edge of respect for the fallen 2nd-in-command for the Roxim Clan.

“Jennifer is really showing her overconfidence in her deity’s power. Fennel managed to give us valuable information, though it is possible it is a trick. In any case, it’s something to take note of, and Fennel will have a proper send-off, according to his own beliefs,” she stated, fist tightening behind her back.

Elinor shifted her gaze toward the Delthax’s new chief and the single-toothed, female Xaria; now was the time for action. Perhaps this was what the jungle had been warning Valdar of. “Camellia, keep his ax and bracelet. I’m sure Chief Zargoth will want it.”

“Will do, Empress! Careful, human girl. Don’t want to get this acid on your new threads.”

“I’m more worried about my skin!”

“Now,” Elinor interrupted, a fire lighting in her belly. “I’m going to do something that both of you are going to have trouble with, mainly you, Cielo…”

The Black Witch stiffened upon being singled out. “Whatever it is, I’ll get it done, Empress! I have faith in your power to support me.”

“Good,” she chimed. “I just need you to connect with every other communication network across the valley that we’ve been able to establish. It might be hard for you to maintain Zara, given your level. Can you two do it?”

“Yes, Empress!” Zara immediately stated before asking, “Uh, do I need to do anything to the ritual, Cielo? Sorry, I’m just working off of the notes I took from my sister… We were practicing stuff together. I wonder what she thinks happened to me… No, sorry. I’m focused! I’m sure War will save her.”

Cielo’s expression softened before determination lit in her face. “No, you’re fine the way it is, Zara. It’s me who needs to reinforce this access point since it will be transmitting to all other ritual sites… And if Kaya can do it, then I can too.”

Elinor didn’t point out that Kaya’s specialty seemed to be in communication rituals, seeing as that was where she made her breakthrough ritual research to advance to the next rank. She wasn’t sure what Cielo’s specialty was, but it wasn’t likely this. Luckily, certain rituals were shared across all factions grimoires, and this was one of them.

Momentarily disconnecting from Zara, Cielo summoned her book and got to work making upgrades to the device. It only took her ten minutes, double checking her work before starting it, crossing her legs and taking the center position to act as the focus medium. Sweat began to break out across her forehead as she recited the words Kaya—a White Witch—pioneered.

Wind picked up around the space, cycling around her as the sulfur and salt fused into the wood to add new lines and a broader design; they were ingredients the Black Covens rarely used since theirs mostly relied on organs, blood, and Life Force.

“Okay, Empress… Whenever you’re ready. I can only keep this up for a few minutes.”

Elinor turned her back to the witch and stood in the entryway as a cold gust blew down from the mountains to pass over the ridge. She stared across the valley, Quin listening intently nearby as Theresa returned with some herbs and ingredients Tiffany had requested from the high location. One hand held behind her back, she brought the microphone to her mouth with anticipation putting a smile on her lips.

“Listen up, Undying Empire. I know I just talked to all of you not that long ago, but things have changed… The Roxim main settlement has been conquered and many taken prisoner, including War and the Gray Coven witches. Also… We’ve discovered the Xaltan’s secret weapon, so there’s no further need to be cautious. I will only say this once, so take note…”

Elinor swiftly ran through what Camellia had reported, which only took her a minute to condense.

“…With that being said, every leader, push your angle as soon as you can. I give you full access to wage war as you see fit in your factions. Expect something big to happen tonight from inside their camp…and it looks like there will be a heavy thunderstorm. Send out scouts. Have medical and support units ready to support anyone that does escape.”

She flashed her teeth with a short laugh. “Cause trouble at their borders, draw eyes. Be a nuisance with your advance units while the main forces advance. Don’t push too far, make them use their poisoned eggs and push their forces thin. They’re on a clock. We are not. Expect them to know about your general unit placement and move accordingly with that knowledge. Lay traps for them. Have fun!”

She turned to Valdar and the group of powerful Delthax individuals, including her little Dryad German girl.

“I’m heading to the front lines with Quin and Theresa to join Camellia. I’m coming to you, Zara. Tiffany, I need a drone sent. Direct things from your cave. I need what you’re working on done, asap,” she instructed, not wanting to have the Hag out of her mother’s sight until everything was done that she’d promised.

“I expect King Edmon will join me soon enough. I’ll be taking who I can from the Delthax that can keep up with Quin. Cielo will be with me to further guide you when we arrive, Zara. I want the White Witch Circle that is stationed at the Crystal Camp to make their way to the Roxim settlement. We’ll likely pass you on the way.”

Her vision narrowed with the drums of war beginning to pound in her chest, the wheels in her head turning.

“Garu, I want you to join up with me. I need your talents. High Queen Butter will be back in time to support the Wixum and other nearby clans from any secret retaliation. Make her aware of the situation when she arrives. King Edmon’s Argent Order will provide home support.

“Jennifer and her goddess think they can shake us and stall our advance by compromising our forward position with the Roxim. It is a bluff. You will walk on their bones before they rise back up to march behind you… Death rides on your backs; we cannot lose. So ride my armies, and show them who the Undying Empire is… Dress in your best, soldiers. It’s judgment day.”

She walked to the sweating nineteen-year-old and placed the microphone on the ground in front of her, a twinkle in her eye as Quin roared her glee from outside. Elinor didn’t have to say a thing as the girl struggled to her feet and joined her on the way out of the hut to mount one of Quin’s large hands.

Valdar refused the silver-ape’s offered hand, no doubt wanting to make this final trip on his own two feet and stand tall when he entered the next world. He passed a few encouraging words to his granddaughter, the eight-year-old next Master Sage looking slightly unsure next to the frightened twelve-year-old Dryad.

Ectria smiled, holding up an arm that Kole met in a sort of warrior salute. “Don’t arrive too late or you’ll miss all the fun, Chief.”

Chief Kole sighed and glanced up at her as Elinor situated herself. “Do you want to know my plan, Empress, or should I leave it close to the tongue so the Whispering Shadow does not know?”

“Now you’re catching on,” Elinor laughed, accepting her staff that Quin handed her, pinched between her fingers. “We’re going to conquer this valley, Chief Kole. Don’t think we’re done when the Xaltan are finished. My sights are there…”

He followed her staff’s point as she directed their attention to the dim silhouette of Ke’mal’tha, the towering city looming over the valley with its tall towers and central spires that pierced the heavens.

“Valdar, trust me. I’ll make your dream of a united ri’bot species reality. I will break the Xaltan’s pride and build them back into a proud people that are a part of something greater than a clan… They’ll be a part of the Undying Empire.”

The elder’s tight mouth became more gentle at her words, surveying the divided valley he’d known his whole life. “I believe you, Empress. Now, I must do my part to see that vision bear fruit. I am with you.”

“Then we ride! Quin, to war.”

The giant, four-armed ape shot forward and jumped off the ledge, using the cliff face with ease to take them to the jungle below. Behind her, Valdar and Ectria followed. They hadn’t even made it back to the Wixum camp when Grace’s voice touched her soul, and a grin split her face.

A way into Ke’mal’tha? Nungal, you wouldn’t have guided them to that, would you have? What is your game… Killing me every time I kill Butter in our previous lives, but offering us support every time. This time, don’t expect it to be so easy to get rid of me. Butter and I are on the same team, after all. Twins on a warpath.

Speaking of War… Do what you do best.

* — * — *

A flash of thunder cracked overhead, unseen beyond the thick canopy but the sharp wind pushed trees and branches in a rush of sounds. A storm was approaching.

Red’s bright crimson eyes opened to the darkness as the first droplets of rain struck his unprotected skin, conserving his energy for the better part of eighteen hours. He looked into Jennifer’s judging face, Rylee and Hilda beside her, leering at him as if he were Jennifer herself.

The woman’s slightly annoyed tone told him all he needed to know about her conversation with the Empress. “Now that she knows you’re captured, we’ll need another distraction for your mistress.”

Her soft fingers pressed against his hard, bare breast before a spark of crimson electricity repelled it, making the woman wince and the two witches curse him.

“Not strong enough?” he asked, his deep chuckle bringing further hatred to be thrown his way by women who liked him quite a bit before their minds were warped. “A shame. You’ll have to kill me. Wait…you couldn’t do that either. How strong is your goddess again?”

“Mocking the empress?” Hilda growled. “You won’t be laughing when we’re done with our next ritual to strip you of that defensive aura you’re guarding yourself with.”

“Aww. You’re cute when you’re mad, Hilda,” War chirped, showing a true smile. “I like how curly your hair is right now, and those blue eyes stand out when filled with passion. It’s too bad you’re normally so patient and kind because you’d be something fierce as a lover. Maybe I just haven’t seen that side of you—oh, and there’s the slap. Another medal to add to the collection! A better hook than Karina, though.”

“He’s relentless,” Rylee grumbled, looking at him in disgust. “What a weird ri’bot Mystic. The Xaltan really are the worst. Maybe it would be better if Esmerelda handled this.”

“No,” Hilda fumed. “He’s been harassing us all day. I have to hear him apologize at least once.”

“Oh. Is that all?” War creased an eye. “I’m so sorry you’re so charming, Hilda. It’s a curse really. And that beauty mark on your collar bone—stunning! I like how your nose slightly turns up, too. It’s cute. Although, Isabella’s button nose is so adorable. Black hair is the best, too with those hazel eyes and long, natural eyelashes.”

“Is he talking about me again?” Isabela groaned while approaching from the side, hood already covering her as the rain continued to pick up. “At least he isn’t talking about my butt like he does about Carla. I finished doing the reverse Firewalker ritual to block off their powers…but I don’t know how effective it is since we haven’t really tried it out in practice. I’m exhausted, though.”

Jennifer gave each girl a proud look, as if a mother looking at her children. “Soon I’ll teach you even more powerful rituals that invoke a dead deity’s lingering power. With your natural gifts and the development of your spirits, you will be something fearsome. Now, off you go. You’ll need your rest for tomorrow’s big ritual.”

“Oh?” War asked, flexing and trying to stretch with what limited slack he’d been allowed. “So, tomorrow is the big day? Rushing it after talking to the Empress, I see. You’re scared. Did she not take the bluff?”

“What bluff?” Jennifer smiled. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re talking about, pawn. You’ve served your purpose, so why not cast a silence ritual on him next, ladies. I’m sure we can all go without his lewd and crude comments.”

“Come on,” War playfully complained, flexing his open fingers, “a guy has to fight back somehow. And what’s so bad about a man telling the truth? A guy can’t compliment beautiful women?”

He hung his head as the women began to make plans to silence him, putting on ponchos that Jasmine brought over, a fourteen-year-old apprentice witch under Hildra’s control. His vision narrowed upon seeing one of the glowing fingers poke through one of the holes in Hilda’s tank top when turning her back to him and putting on the protective cover.

Just a bit longer…and I’ll have the strength. Plus, I feel an army coming. The tide of war has shifted again… And I’ll spark the charge. Just wait a little longer, ladies. I’ve got a plan. Hopefully it’ll work and I won’t have to kill you…because that would be tragic. Our living human population is already too low.