Page 75 of Lord of the Lone Wolf
Kitsuki maintained his composure despite the revulsion rising within him. “You did not witness any animation of these remains?”
“No, Your Majesty. The preparations appear extensive but incomplete. The bones themselves, however…” Norkon hesitated, searching for the right words. “I do not know how to describe it, other than saying they possessed a malevolent awareness even in their dormant state. As I observed from concealment, it was as though they sensed my presence. The surrounding air shimmered with the same sickly green light, pulsing like a heartbeat.”
“It must have been forging a soulflame,” Jaega murmured. “That is the necromantic energy that will animate the bones once the ritual is complete.”
“I withdrew before being detected,” Norkon continued. “The Hollowed workers became agitated, as if responding to some silent alarm. They began searching the area, so I made a strategic retreat.”
Kitsuki frowned at the implications. “Your report confirms what Maseo warned us about. He mentioned Nasume’s intention to raise an army of the dead, though he did not understand the full extent of his father’s plans. If they complete the Deathward Constellation before then…”
“The devastation would be immeasurable,” Jaega finished.
Kitsuki considered his options. “Then we must accelerate our advance. Every day we delay gives Nasume more time to complete his preparations.”
Jaega shook his head. “There is no way for our entire military to reach Norello that fast when we continue encountering battalions on our journey. There is also the issue that the ritual sites throughout the city form a defensive network. As our forces advance, we would trigger each platform, animating the prepared remains in that sector.”
“A trap within a trap.” Kitsuki studied the map before him with renewed intensity. “We must proceed with caution.”
A moment of silence fell over the tent as each man contemplated the dire implications of Norkon’s report. The silver fire crackled in the brazier, casting long shadows across the war table.
Norkon spoke again, his tone cautious. “Your Majesty, may I make a suggestion?”
“Speak, Lieutenant,” Kitsuki replied.
“Maseo grew up in Norello. He might have knowledge of the city’s layout, hidden passages, or vulnerabilities in the castle defenses that could be valuable in planning our approach to avoid or neutralize the wards.” Norkon hesitated before adding, “And given his proximity to Nasume for most of his life, he might recognize details in my report that could provide insight into his father’s strategies.”
Kitsuki wanted to refuse, but he needed to do what was best for his warriors. “Your suggestion has merit. Maseo’s insights could be crucial in countering Nasume’s plans.”
“Shall I summon him to join our council?”
Kitsuki hesitated, aware of Jaega’s observant gaze upon him. The request was logical and strategic, yet he found himself reluctant.
The pup has proven his worth and loyalty. He deserves to know what we face, Kitsuki’s dragon argued.
“Yes,” Kitsuki decided. “Please summon him, Lieutenant. His knowledge may prove crucial in the days ahead.”
“I will return with him at once, Your Majesty.” Norkon bowed before exiting the tent, leaving Kitsuki alone with his uncle.
For a moment, neither spoke as they contemplated the darkness awaiting them in Norello.
Jaega was the first to break the silence. “I had hoped never to face the horrors of necrowings again.”
“I have heard the stories about them from the Necromancer War.”
His uncle’s expression grew distant, lost in memory. “They are formidable beyond description. Only dragon magic or Divine weapons are strong enough to extinguish their soulflame, which is the anchor that binds necromantic energy to our realm, and serves as the source of the construct’s power.”
Kitsuki frowned. “Can we neutralize the Deathward Constellation?”
“Yes, but destroying it without triggering a catastrophic release requires knowledge of arcane countermagic and exceptional timing.”
“Meaning we need a specialized task force to venture ahead,” Kitsuki concluded.
“It would require our very best Enchanters, those who are old enough to have lived through the Necromancer War.”
The thought of placing such valuable members of his court in danger troubled him. “That would put our army at significant risk of losing such essential support.”
“Yes, but sending regular warriors would mean their instant death, turning them into a necromancer’s ideal weapon against us,” Jaega explained. “If we do not dismantle these ritual sites now, while we still have a chance, Nasume will win this war.”
It was not what Kitsuki had wanted to hear. “While our Enchanters are incredible mages, they are not trained for combat operations.”
