It is a sight to see.
She’s dirty from the trek, still wearing her filthy cloak and my shirt, but looking as strong and resilient as she did glaring up at me when she tried to escape the mountain.
“The last three weeks have been eventful, to say the least,” I say, crossing beside the throne to lean against it. “Let us start with the greatest threat first.” I look down at Estela. “I believe my queen has good information about that.”
Her soft, brown eyes look up at me, full of determination. I heard what she said to Arlet—that she didn’t singlehandedly save all those women. While she didn’t do it alone, none of them would be here without her. Her power continues to prove that every instinct I had about her was right.
“I spent three weeks in the giant court and observed dozens of people. There are three solid issues and one that could be concerning—but I simply didn’t learn enough. First, Rholker’skinghood. There is a staggering division between the monarchy and its royal court, as many thought Rholker a weak, sniveling pawn in someone else’s plan.”
“He was only able to ascend to the throne officially because he married Lord Fektir’s daughter. This lord assured him that he would only continue to support Rholker’s ascension if he completed several tasks. He wants our mines, so naturally, one of those agreements was that…” Estela pauses, taking a deep breath before blinking rapidly and continuing, “Rholker destroy Enduvida and kill every last Enduar.”
The room is utterly silent as each person processes the words.
“Did he touch you?” Fira asks.
Estela takes a deep breath.
“For an entire week, I was tortured by a group of human women. I now know they areBrujas, or witches, but they go by the name of The Six. Sometimes the Cursed Six, or even Memory Slicers. I didn’t know they were human until the night of the coronation, and one of their hoods was pulled back by a drunk giant. A massive fight broke out when King Arion was hurt. Most giant lords were generally outraged over the fact that the new giant king had trusted humans for something other than chopping wood, reproducing, or polishing their cocks.”
The bitterness in her words leaks out, and Thorne watches with resolute approval. He nods as if to say“Well put.”
“So there’s a chance that other humans have power like you?” Liana says.
“I am finding a new part of my power. There is the ability to read the Fuegorra, which we found out after I came to the cave, but while I was in Zlosa I could… glow. When someone tried to touch me that I didn’t want to, it would burn that person. Neither power is anything like theirs.”
“Interesting,” Liana hums.
“To be honest,” Estela continues, “both of my powers feel more Enduar than anything—crystals, harmonies, and light. The power that leaks out of the Six is cold, dead smelling, and intent on destruction and accumulation of strength.”
“Does Lord Fektir still support Rholker then?” Ra'Salore asks.
Estela shakes her head. “I do not know. In addition to the witches and the giant court, they have forged an official alliance with King Arion. He is the third threat—he wants Arlet.”
“I’ll tear out his throat if he ever gets anywhere near this cave again,” Vann growls.
Thorne appears amused. “Will you? With your big cleaver?”
“Quiet,” Liana snaps before turning to look at me. “Is there a reason Mrath’s pet is still here?”
Thorne’s eyes turn black as they fade into something feral.
“Neither you nor anyone else has permission to call methat.”
Liana slowly flicks her eyes up at him. “Keep your comments to yourself, and I won’t be so ready to give you a thorough tongue-lashing,pet.”
Thorne’s glare is hot enough to burn through Liana’s head, and I see our one alliance crumbling.
“I think it is best we all keep our quips to ourselves for the sake of this meeting. Estela mentioned that there still might be another potential threat.”
Estela nods. “Yes. It seems that the giants have started bringing swamp ogres back to their ranks. I wouldn’t call it an alliance because I saw Rholker refuse an audience with them more than once.”
Thorne folds his arms. “You should ask Ayla about that. She?—”
“Killed the Shaman Ogre King,” Ulla finishes. “She told us when sheintroduced herself.”
Thorne snorts.
I turn to a mostly-healed Lothar, who is in the corner, furiously taking notes. He hasn’t asked about Turalyon, but I’m sure he’s noticed his absence. Seeing that he doesn’t need any extra encouragement to document this meeting, I continue.
