Chapter 87: Cheep!? 86

Cheep!?

Chapter 86

Having Sasha and the Hind Bear stay outside of the city was pointless, or so Captain Magra had told Niko. He supposed that was true enough, the Hornets sense of smell and ability to track prey would easily allow them to follow the trail of Sasha and the Hind-Bear to the city.

And, sure enough, as they were sitting with the Guildmaster, Mary entered the room, still holding a short stack of papers as though she’d been caught in the middle of doing other tasks. “We’ve received news of a Massacre Hornet scouting party that was sighted from the city wall.”

Orson stopped speaking for a few seconds, and simply closed his eyes. From what Niko could tell, it looked like he was wishing for the bad news to stop coming in so quickly. He recovered rapidly enough, though, asking, “Were they taken care of?”

“They were quickly culled, but it’s unlikely that they didn’t leave behind scent trails. We’re still sending out a team with stink bombs, but…” Mary trailed off, her sour expression saying enough about what she thought the outcome of that tactic would be.

“It would have been great if we’d gotten more time,” Orson sighed, “Alright, try to get a few volunteer teams to range out looking for more scouting parties. We can forestall an invasion if we can prevent the scouts from reporting back, but eventually the hornets will arrive in numbers. Have any of our scouts reported where the main hive is, yet?”

Niko's attention was divided between listening to them speak, and watching the Blue Sabrecat and Hind Bear on the other side of the room. They were all currently in a warehouse room that had been cleared out enough to be able to house the large Hind Bear, and then furnished just enough to make them and any others who might come to the room more comfortable. Sasha, for her part, listened with a stoic expression on her face that didn’t betray her inner thoughts, but unless her earlier words were all just a feigned ploy, she likely felt deep regret for how things were turning out.

‘Which is all well and fine, but doesn’t change the pecking problem we’re facing now.’ Niko shook his head slightly, the rest of the Wyldwalkers and both of the Aelphis teams were currently waiting at attention for the Guildmaster. There were other teams as well in the warehouse, and several workers were moving more things around and setting up something that resembled a war room. This was just one of three such locations that were being established around the city, now that conflict was determined to be unavoidable. A map of Greenleaf and the surrounding areas was laid out on a large table that somehow projected an image against the wall, which was much larger and more plainly visible for the many teams in attendance.

Mary’s next words piqued Niko’s attention, “They have narrowed it down to a borderline area between the Evergreen, Eldergreen, and the base of the Riizen Mountain. Due to the risk, I’ve asked them to delay further investigation until your word.”

“Give the order,” Orson said decisively, “The city being found is a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’ at this point. Knowing where that hive is will give us more cards to play.”

Another attendant stepped up beside Mary, quietly handing her a few more papers. Niko turned his attention back to Orson as he gestured to several boxes that were now being brought into the room, “Team leaders, I want you each to take a communication crystal. We’ll be assigning positions and roles very soon. Everyone will receive compensation according to how well you follow orders, and to a lesser degree how well you perform, but don’t get ahead of yourselves. The Massacre Hornets are a unified enemy, do not try to hunt them like you might any regular monster.”

Ronald stepped up, along with several others, to receive crystals when Niko heard Sasha speak, “What of my request?” 

Niko turned his head to her, but instead of directly responding to her, relayed his question for Skye to ask the Guildmaster. Skye’s expression flattened as she very pointedly tried to not emote, but Niko could tell that she was as frustrated as he was towards the cat. He couldn’t blame someone for wanting to help their people, but as much as he wanted to be able to help everyone, he didn’t think they were in any position to do so just yet.

The Guildmaster turned his gaze to Sasha sharply, “Your request has been accepted nominally. Now that you’ve led them to us, we no longer have the luxury of preparation. Had you waited, we would have taken care of the problem. Like we’ve always had to do for your mountains–” Orson’s voice heated as he spoke to Sasha, but he forced himself to take a short breath and calm himself, “Just… stay out of the way for now. I’ll figure out something for you to do later.”

Niko saw the complex emotions flash through Sasha’s eyes, not the least of which was a mix of shame and wounded pride. “I-I of course know that this is not ideal, but I assure you I can offer compensation for–” 

Niko flinched as Orson fully rounded on Sasha, an aura of what somehow tasted like a cold ocean breeze and the tangy scent of burning ozone suddenly filled the air, “Do not speak of compensation right now.” 

The room went quiet at Orson’s sudden display of outward fury, a collective of tensely held breaths reminded Niko that Orson was the strongest person in the room. Niko found himself staring at Sasha, both she and the Hind Bear had frozen under the weight of the Guildmaster’s regard. For another second, the Guildmaster allowed his aura to linger, before he withdrew it into himself. “In the first place, I find your promise of a reward suspect. But this is not the time, nor place, to discuss such things.”

Sasha struggled to speak for a second, before managing to say, “I understand and apologize, I meant no disrespect.” 

Orson only gave a slight nod of acknowledgement to that before turning back to the team leaders, many of whom were still shaking off the effects of being under Orson’s aura. Niko, meanwhile, only dimly noted that the man had understood Sasha even without a translator. Had he learned how to communicate with beasts, now? But, then, he didn’t seem to understand Niko at all, so perhaps it was a case-by-case basis.

But, that didn’t matter for the moment. Niko couldn’t help but feel a little bad for Sasha and her friend, but at the same time, he found it hard to marshal much good will for them. But, what was done was done, and thankfully Orson wasn’t the type to bury his head in the sand. Everyone in the city knew that there was a chance this could happen at any time, and those present were aware of the fact that the hornets could track individuals over quite long distances.

“We will allow anyone who wishes to evacuate to do so. The guards are ready to move people through the sewers and into the old waterways. Thanks to the efforts of a few, the waterways have been culled of many monsters, but there are still more that remain, as well as a new opening into the underground. I will ask for volunteers to secure that portal and the waterways in general for the civilians of the city, but know that you will be undermanned. In some ways, it’ll be more dangerous than the hornets.” Orson called out, “I’ll take those who would volunteer against the wall on that side. Anyone who works better in cramped spaces and in the dark will be appreciated.”

Niko saw a few groups look their way partway through the call, most people having been made aware of the Wyldwalkers finds through hearsay and rumor at that point. That the location was going to be used as an emergency shelter made sense to Niko, especially against the hornets. It would severely weaken their ability to attack people, they’d just have to get everyone down there before anything happened.

“Alright everyone, get moving! Follow your team leaders, make sure to report in every ten minutes for now. We’ll get you all sorted to a handler on our end. If there are any teams with experience in directing large groups, I’m calling on you to offer your services towards that end…” Niko listened to Orson as he continued listing off people he needed and groups, and where to go. Contrary to the chaos that Niko expected, the groups were sorted quickly. Orson and staff quickly arranged the guild adventurers into several parties: Vanguard, ranged support, strike team, logistics support, communications support, evacuation and rearguard teams, and outlined the many variable tasks each group took over. 

Ronald returned to the group after having been directed to a guild member handing out medallions and a single communication crystal. The crystal was set into a bracer, while the medallions were all notched with a specific number on the back, and a symbol on the front. Niko curiously noted that the symbol was a spear with wings, leaving Niko guessing that it was for demarcating which task force they had been assigned to.

“Strike team? I’d have thought that you’d have signed us up for Vanguard,” Dachna hummed thoughtfully as Ronald picked out a specific medallion for him.

“We’re better as a fast moving response team and for special objectives instead of regular duty. Out of all the teams, we might have the best spread of abilities,” Ronald explained.

“You make it sound so thrilling,” Skye answered dryly.

Niko followed that up with, “And busy. We’re the flex team,” he chirped while stretching, “Not that I’m complaining. I think that’s probably for the best.” 

“I agree,” Skye said, though more begrudgingly than happily, “What now?”

“Before that,” Orson’s voice startled Niko as he seemingly appeared out of nowhere beside him, “I have a request for the lot of you.”

Niko looked suspiciously at the man, but Ronald spoke up dutifully, “Of course, what do you need?”
When Orson smiled, Niko’s suspicions shot through the roof, and solidly soared higher still when he saw the twinkle in the Guildmaster’s eyes, “Just a little roster change…”

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Frankly, Niko had seen the arrangement coming the moment Sasha and Thokk–that was the Hind Bear’s name, he’d come to learn–had been asked to accompany them to the warehouse. In all truth, Niko wasn’t especially bothered that the two were being added on to their team, but he wasn’t certain how things would go with them. Especially considering anything they said would need to be translated through Niko, and thereby Skye. 

Luckily, that process was becoming quicker and quicker every day, but still, it did irk him somewhat to have to be the middleman for the process. Honestly, he didn’t know how Skye didn’t lose her mind with how often she had to translate for him.

“I realize it may not be worth much, but I’d like to thank you all for allowing us to assist.” Sasha spoke as Niko relayed her words to Skye, who in turn did the same to the rest of the group.

“You’re trying to protect your people and family, I can’t fault that too much,” Ronald said, rather magnanimously in Niko’s opinion.

“Why do your people even need our help?” Skye asked with a frown before paling slightly, “Unless the swarm is stronger than your Crown?”

“No!” Sasha answered quickly, “No, that’s not the case. However, our Crown is not currently available, and the major tribe clans refuse to make a move on the swarm as that could be seen as trespassing by the Kingdom. There are many, of course, who believe that we should take care of the issue since it’s at our doorstep, but after so many generations of the same isolationism, it’s hard to get any of the elders to change their minds.” 

Niko listened and translated as they walked, moving towards the gates along with several other teams who gave them sidelong glances all the while. It almost didn’t feel right, considering the day was bright and the weather was nice. Niko knew that he was being dramatic, but he felt like things should at least have been dark and stormy.

“Now, when you say Crown, do you mean a leader or something?” Niko asked, curious as to what that was.

“ ‘Crown’ refers to the pinnacle beast of any given mountain. I know the term thanks to my previous teacher,” Skye briefly explained, “They’re generally the strongest beast, though not necessarily always the highest tier.”

“In this case, he is both,” Sasha said with pride.

Which was cowed by her mostly silent companion saying, “He is deep in isolation and unable to assist until he returns. As such, the various clans have been left to bicker over the correct choice, leaving the swarm to grow and feast on the unawakened and lesser clans alike on the lower slopes.” 

Niko relayed that somberly before speaking up himself, “That’s ridiculous. Are they just hoping the problem goes away?”

“As I said before,” Sasha said with a slight impatient and defensive edge to her voice, “It is the elders who are leaving the issue to the humanoids to deal with, as the hive is based in the lowlands. Those who perish in the meantime are simply said to have been too weak.”

“That’s pecking dumb.” Niko cawed sharply.

“That is life for beasts,” Sasha only shrugged, “We are not humanoids. Their way of life is not ours, we treasure the strong, and through the strong we ourselves become powerful.”

Niko didn’t like that answer, but he didn’t push things any more. They’d arrived at their post near the gates, and soon they would receive their following deployment. 

Skye then suddenly said, “Hey… I’m hoping I’m wrong, but does anyone else hear buzzing?”

The teams around them went quiet at that question, which only spread as more noticed the sudden silence. Skye and a few others who had excellent hearing, whether by blood or by a pattern, climbed the stairs up the wall, before stopping.

Niko held his breath as Skye concentrated, before she turned her attention back to the Wyldwalkers, gaze heavily setting on Ronald, “We have incoming. They’re still far, but there’s… There’s a lot of them.”

The other listeners either had already heard, or heard shortly thereafter, as confirmations came down the wall.

“I guess the opening gambit is going to come from them.” Niko grit his beak, “Are we even in position yet?” 

Skye jumped down from the wall, a brief pulse of essence in her body signaling her ability being used. She didn’t relay the question, though, seeing that Ronald was already focusing on the bracer.

His face strained as Niko imagined a back and forth going on, before Ronald closed his eyes. Elsewhere, Niko heard someone curse out loud, but before he could hear anything more, Ronald opened his eyes, resolve burning within them. “The strike teams are to deploy outside of the city and stagger the scouting parties of the Hornets. The Vanguard will set up outside of the city walls for when we need to fall back, with ranged support coming from on top of the walls.”

Niko watched as various groups began moving, though he noted certain ones seemed to be standing still, much like their own. They, too, bore a spear with wings on their medallions, and Niko found it no small wonder why they were hesitant. Their job was dangerously close to treading the suicide mission line, but, then, he guessed that was why the strike team’s had to be so variable. 

Yet, instead of feeling wary or afraid, Niko had to admit that he felt pretty excited.

“Well, I guess it’s time for everyone’s favorite drink,” Mithel sighed as she pulled out her alchemy kit, “I take it we forgot to pick up any strong flavoring agents?”

Only a groan answered Mithel as she began to mix reagents. ‘At least that should help keep them off of us a little bit more…’ 

Niko then eyed Sasha and Thokk, and grinned a little, “You’re going to just love this stuff.”

As an acrid stench wafted from Mithel’s flasks, Sasha recoiled, “You’re going to drink this?” 

“Consider it penance,” Niko cackled happily, “Be sure to drink it all up, unless you like being hornet bait.” 

The two beasts dubiously regarded the concoction as Mithel continued to brew them, hopeful that it would begin to resemble something more edible, shortly. Niko didn’t want to tell them that it smelled far worse than it tasted, a little schadenfreude for his troubles. Besides, just because it wasn’t as bad, didn’t mean it didn’t still taste terrible…

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