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The priest’s words didn’t convince Slate, but he decided that he had better things to discuss. He looked over at Lynia and Matek.

  Okay, let’s change the subject. How has the city changed?

  CHAPTER 03: THE GROWING BASTION

  The assembled members of the council turned and looked at Lynia. She seemed to be embarrassed by the sudden attention.

  Well, my Lord, her voice through the Scourgemind was tentative. She was still not used to this method of communication.

  Slate supposed that made sense. Out of all the changes happening lately, he was most surprised that Lynia and Matek transformed into members of the Scourge. Lynia didn’t seem to like change all that much, and Matek didn’t seem to like anything that he didn’t completely understand. Despite her unfamiliarity with using the Scourgemind, her voice strengthened.

  The most notable change to the city was the creation of the Crystal Cathedral.

  Slate nodded. I noticed the building on the way in. Does it do anything meaningful?

  At his dismissive tone, Fidem chuckled warmly, It’s perhaps the most important building in the city, my Lord. Fidem sounded like the Scion had asked a stupid question, and there was a sense that he was talking down to the Scourge leader.

  Oh? Slate asked, bemused. His tone belied the rage he was feeling toward Fidem. There were plenty of things that Slate couldn’t abide by. Being spoken down to was one of the easiest ways to piss him off. The priest had taken one too many liberties with the Scion, and Slate wasn’t sure he was going to be capable of maintaining his composure for much longer.

  Fidem seemed to realize he made a mistake. There was an edge to Slate’s body language that spoke to violence in motion. He backed away from his earlier tone diplomatically.

  Yes, my Lord, He said in a more respectful tone. Not only does it serve as the headquarters for your Enticer class, but it also allows you to transform Guardians into the Scourge. He inclined his head toward the spymaster. Brother Matek has already taken the opportunity to turn quite a large number of his agents into Lurkers.

  Matek nodded in acknowledgment at the priest’s words. He sounded like he didn’t want to agree with the priest, but he did so anyway. Fidem is correct, my Lord. The Cathedral has allowed us to increase our forces exponentially. Additionally, the increase in manpower has improved security in our city. According to Bastion, recruiting has risen to acceptable levels, and now most of the guard positions within the town have been staffed.

  The First Lurker looked uncomfortable. Bastion credits Fidem’s Enticers with the most substantial gains in that area. It seems that the Enticer class has magic devoted to inspiring loyalty within the population.

  Slate sat back in his chair at the revelation. The Enticers had suddenly become more valuable in his estimation. He wouldn’t have to rule the Scourge through fear if the Enticers were as influential as Matek was suggesting. Instead, the population would be united in a common cause. In most circumstances, that would be precisely what he wanted. However, Fidem personally benefited from the newfound faith as well. Slate couldn’t help but feel that Fidem would make an adequate replacement for him if something were to go wrong and he were to perish.

  Best not to think about that, he chided himself. It wasn’t useful to focus on the worst possible things that hadn’t yet manifested. It was better to deal with the problems that were actually in one’s life and, thus, better prepare oneself for potential negative scenarios in the future. As for how that translated to Slate’s dealing with Fidem, he resolved to improve his relationship with Lucidus as quickly as he could. It grated him that this was probably her intention all along.

  How do the Enticers manage the population so well? He asked Fidem.

  Fidem looked pleased with the chance to explain. His pale white scales and porcelain grin made him look like a ghost. Mostly through natural charisma, Scion.

  Slate raised an eyebrow. He knew the answer was bullshit and waited for Fidem continued.

  Of course, Fidem deadpanned. A helping of pheromones bolsters my brothers and sisters’ natural charisma. They make our prospective converts more amenable to our cause.

  Slate frowned, I thought pheromones were a sex thing?

  The others in the room looked just as confused. They had never heard of the term in the first place. Slate realized that the word came from his original world, and he wondered how much access Fidem had to that type of information. He had to have a stat sheet similar to the Scion’s own, so there was a chance that there was more information there than Slate had previously expected.

  Fidem rubbed his chin as if he were stroking a beard that no longer existed before he spoke thoughtfully. I think they can be used for such a purpose, but only if we leveled them up more. Right now, they just help instill a feeling of goodwill in our allies.

  Slate noted the half answer. What effect do they have on our enemies?

  Fidem nodded and seemed to be looking far away. His four eyes, a strange mutation for the Scourge, thinned as they seemed to peer at something in the distance. Slate recognized the expression from the others and himself. It was the look that one seemed to get when they were checking their stat sheets.

  It seems that we can induce fear in our opponents. It looks like it has a limited effect on non-humanoids. I would assume that means using it on wild animals would have little impact.

  Slate gave him a quizzical look. That seems like a strange limitation.

  The priest merely shrugged his scaled shoulders. His rueful smile made his eyes crinkle in good humor. The Lord wills what she wills; I am only a servant. Though, if I had to make a guess, it would be that Enticers are meant to convert people and not animals, so we have little need to have pheromones that affect them.

  Slate nodded at the explanation. After a moment of silence in which he took the time to think, Slate continued the discussion. Alright, Governor. What else has changed? He asked Lynia.

  Actually, about that, my Lord, Lynia sounded like she had bad news to share, so Slate sat forward in his chair and gave her his full attention.

  Yes? His voice was regal and full of implied command.

  The sound made Lynia less comfortable rather than more. I don’t think I should continue being the Governor of Bastion, she said in a rush. It occurs to me that Lucidus has chosen me to take up my late husband’s mantle and become the First Mystic. I don’t think I could serve the Lord of Light in this capacity and remain the Governor.

  The admission surprised Slate. He knew that it would be challenging to juggle both roles, but he wasn’t sure who else could do the job. He didn’t particularly trust anyone outside of this room, and one First within the room was still up in the air. He frowned, and Lynia flinched like she had been struck. He immediately softened his expression. He didn’t feel shame in the way that others did, but he was disappointed that he misread how she needed him to respond at the moment.

  I understand entirely, Lucelynia, Slate said sadly. I’m not upset—not at you—I’m just concerned about who should be your replacement. Although recruiting is up, I find myself at a loss for who I could get to replace you.

  Lynia nodded. I know, my Lord. I do have a suggestion, though. She paused like she couldn’t believe what she was about to say. I think Bastion could do an admirable job in my place.

  Lynia was looking at the table so she didn’t see the wide-eyed expressions that were on everyone’s faces except for Fidem’s.

  I’m sorry, what? Slate sounded choked.

  Lynia looked out and noticed everyone’s expressions. Her temper ignited.

  Oh, come on! I don’t completely hate the wretch! He has enough information on the city to make decisions in my absence. Don’t think for a single second that I would choose him if we weren’t in dire need of someone to replace me!

  Her shouting caught everyone off guard, and even Fidem felt himself pulling back in his seat. He suddenly remembered that Mystic’s were easily the most destructive classes in the Scourge, and if she genuinely wanted to,
Lynia could level the palace with a casual wave of her clawed hand.

  Slate put up his hands in surrender. No one was implying anything, Lucelynia. We were merely surprised that you would choose Bastion to replace you. Historically, you two haven’t been on the best of terms.

  Matek could see the tempest building in Lynia’s eyes, so he coughed diplomatically to save his Scion from incineration. Well, my Lord, after working with Bastion extensively, I can confidently say that Lucelynia has the right idea. Especially with the new communication beads, Bastion would be the best suited to make gubernatorial decisions while we’re out of the city.

  Shale jabbed Slate in the ribs and laughed through the Scourgemind. Isn’t that cute, she said into their private channel. Matek thinks that you would try to run the city even if you weren’t present. He doesn’t realize that you’re trying to stay as far from that job as you possibly can.

  Ha, ha, Slate responded to her prodding. She was correct, but he wasn’t going to tell Matek as much. He would much rather let the rest of the Scourge think he was interested in building structures and calculating yields, return on investment, and other nonsense. He’d rather be outside the walls killing their enemies or plotting his next moves. It was a sentiment that he knew Shale shared.

  Slate rested his hands on the stone table. Okay, that’s settled. Is there anything else that needs to be brought up? I did notice a rather tall tower has taken up residence within the confines of the inner city.

  If Lynia’s midnight-blue reptilian face could blush, it would have. She was about to respond, but Matek smoothly interrupted her.

  Actually, my Lord. Before we talk about the tower, I have one more thing to address. Slate shot him a long-suffering look. He was already growing tired of the discussion. Most of these things could be taken care of by other people. He wanted to get down to their battle strategy in the upcoming fight against the Collective.

  Matek could feel Slate’s annoyance through the Scourgemind, and he quickly continued. I don’t think that I can remain your spymaster. Although the Lurkers suit the role of a spy and saboteur, I believe that there should be someone else to collect information around the Collective and from any enemies we should face in the future.

  Matek looked sheepish, an expression that Slate didn’t think he had ever seen on the man. Lucidus has informed me that my focus needs to be on training more Lurkers and getting them ready for the fights to come.

  Slate furrowed his brow. When did she tell you that? He asked.

  Matek shrugged in response. It’s been something of a subliminal thing since my conversion, he stated flatly.

  Slate noted that the man didn’t sound pleased about the fact at all. He could understand the feeling. He wouldn’t like a deity mucking around just under the surface of his thoughts, either. What surprised him more was that Lynia seemed to be nodding along to what Matek was saying.

  Have you been experiencing the same thing, Lucelynia? He asked her.

  She nodded in response to his question. That’s what I was going to tell you about my tower, my Lord. I have felt driven to create it from the very beginning. I think Lucidus was pushing me toward this end even before I created the Crystal Cathedral. Now that the Starlight Arcanum is built, I feel an overwhelming desire to fill its halls with more Mystics and begin acquiring the knowledge that resides within its walls.

  Shale shot the other woman a curious glance. What do you mean ‘the knowledge that resides within its walls’? She asked Lynia.

  Lynia shrugged. I’m not sure I entirely understand, either. When I was reading the description in the city management system, it hinted that Lucidus would provide more knowledge, by degrees, as the building was upgraded.

  Did it tell you anything about the aurora that has started to cover the sky? Slate asked.

  It did, my Lord, Lynia replied. It’s an aural effect that provides boons for the city. It can be upgraded as well. Right now, it increases the stats surrounding mana generation and manipulation.

  Shale turned to her mate. So that’s why I’ve been feeling stronger since we entered the city. Since we’re mostly mana-forged creatures now, we’re being buffed by the tower’s presence.

  Slate nodded at her observation. He had indeed felt stronger since entering the city. It would be a shame to leave and have their reservoirs of mana return to their normal amounts. Additionally, Slate could feel that merely being within the aura increased his proficiency over his magic. He felt like he had been moving with weights attached to his wrists and ankles, and under the eye of the tower, he found the weights removed.

  Slate returned to the matter at hand. So, who is going to take over your place in the Circle? He asked Matek.

  At that, Matek shared a roguish grin. Ah, that will be my second-in-command and bitter rival, Mella Strator. She’ll do a passable job. Obviously, no one will ever be as good as me. At this, Matek gave a sly wink. However, she is just as capable as I am at running the Circle. In fact, when I approached the Scourge on the Circle’s behalf, she was extremely displeased at my decision. She will leap at the chance to be in charge of the Circle.

  Slate frowned. Is she going to run contrary to the Scourge’s interests? He asked.

  Not at all, my Lord, Matek grinned wider. I have convinced all of the Circle to become Faithful. I won’t allow Mella to take over for me until she has transitioned to a Guardian and her loyalty is assured.

  Slate nodded, satisfied with Matek’s answers. As usual, he was the consummate professional despite his foibles.

  Great, if that settles everything then—Slate was about to transition the meeting into a discussion about the Collective when Fidem raised his hand. Slate gave the man a level look and gestured for him to speak.

  My Lord, he began before licking his lips. Perhaps, you could place one of the priests in charge of Bastion while you’re away? The running of the city shouldn’t be left to a mere avatar. Lucidus will want the Enticers to step forward and take a leadership role.

  Slate immediately felt his hackles rise but resisted the impulse to show even a hint of his suspicion and anger. He felt like a dog that had spied another canine making a play for his bone. Bastion is mine, damnit, he thought viciously. He wouldn’t allow some upstart priest to take his city away from him.

  Bastion is merely a representation of the city management system that Lucidus herself created. If anything, Bastion is closer to the Lord of Light than even the Enticers, Slate said smoothly. Unless, of course, you’re suggesting that the Lord of Light created you personally? Slate’s tone was arrogant and held the hint of a threat. Fidem didn’t let a single emotion cloud his features.

  No, my Lord. I was merely making a suggestion. Of course, Bastion would be the optimal choice, but the Enticers stand ready to provide a personal touch should you desire one. Fidem looked to be uncomfortable. I have noticed that the avatar doesn’t seem to have much…charisma. The priest’s wry voice was the closest that Slate had heard thus far to a genuine emotion. Fidem’s voice was purely reverent, but Slate still couldn’t help feeling a flash of jealous rage even though he was correct.

  Slate decided to move the topic to something more interesting to him.

  Alright, now that domestic policy is out of the way, how are we going to handle the Collective threat? He asked his advisors.

  Sumnu decided this was the one topic he could contribute to. Well, I think that we’re pincered in between two enemy cities. We have Koral to the East and Ithicus to the West. In two weeks, the Collective forces will have garrisoned at Ithicus, and they’ll be able to start launching probing attacks on our territory while remaining provisioned and protected during the winter. If we’re lucky, it won’t turn into a hot conflict, but Koral is a relative mystery in the East.

  Slate nodded before looking over at Lynia and Matek. Have our forces increased enough that we could attack two targets at once? Perhaps keep the army in Ithicus penned in over the winter and send another detachment to Koral to destroy it? Do we even kn
ow how many forces are inside of Crosstyr at the moment? Or what the army will look like once it reaches Ithicus?

  Matek and Lynia shared a glance before Matek spoke up. To your first question, theoretically, yes. We have more than twice the number of Guardians we had before you destroyed Standur. I don’t know that Koral would be any more difficult.

  Shale snorted at Matek’s words. I wouldn’t have called Standur an easy target.

  Both Sumnu and Slate nodded emphatically.

  It was a nightmare that I’d rather not repeat, Sumnu said.

  Yes, but they can’t have facilities like that in every city, Slate suggested. If they did, the country would’ve collapsed long ago. There aren’t enough regular citizens to support that kind of horrific army in every city. The citizens would either flee or overthrow the Vallyr.

  No one chose to comment on the supposition. The fact was that no one in the room could be sure what would happen in the Collective if the Vallyr were to tighten their control to such a degree. It would be nice to believe that the common man would overthrow the yoke of their cruel masters—it was a dream that the Circle believed in, after all—but the reality was that most people were lazy. So long as their way of life wasn’t threatened and they could justify the cost inflicted on the rest of the population, they were unlikely to become angry enough to upset the system. The Collective, generally, targeted only the most vulnerable people. The ill, the mentally disabled, the homeless, and the destitute were the source of the Collective’s soul-forged abominations. It wasn’t the ordinary citizen who was suffering so much. That was the real tragedy of it all.

  What about the composition of the Collective forces? Slate reminded.

  At his question Matek shrugged apologetically. We don’t have a real way of knowing that yet, my Lord. I can reach out to the rest of the Circle and see if we can figure out their current numbers, but they’re going to grow as they sweep through the countryside. By the time they reach Pineforge and then Ithicus, their forces could have completely changed in number and composition.