Chapter 11: Interlude 1, Act 2 – The Mole

Interlude 1, Act 2 - The Mole

=- June 7th, 2022 -=

=-⚜️-=

I could feel the tension coursing through the meeting room. As the last of the priestesses left, Clarisse gave me such a concerned look that I almost blew our pretense. What was it that Mad Dog had said? We cannot let her know that she's failed, or the [Mangleweaves] will trigger. I could see that Chii was already getting to work; no doubt, she was opening up Clarisse's [Character Sheet]. If we acted quickly, and covertly, we might be able to save her life.

"I just wanted to commend you on your performance so far," I lied effortlessly, smoothly inventing a cover story. "I've been watching you since you enrolled in the Priestess program, Clarisse." Mad Dog was silent, but I could feel her buzzing in my brain. She was preparing something, in case a [Mangleweave] triggered. Something with a long cast time.

"Thank you, Divine Majesty." Clarisse lowers her eyes, her face red. "I had no idea you took such interest in my studies. I am undeserving." It was hard to believe that Clarisse, of all the priestesses gathered, could have been a mole for the Council of Knots. It wasn't unheard of; Calico was not known for her mercy. She would abduct anyone who showed a sign of weakness and turn them against us.

I wonder what Clarisse's price was. "I wanted to ask why you became a priestess in the first place. You are highly talented in a wide range of fields." As I spoke, a file manifested and fell into my hand: a [Record of Employment], complete with a list of accomplishments by Clarisse.

My skills were versatile. As Royalty, I could treat the entire company as an extension of my body. The printers held my blood as ink, my memories were littered about the office as filing cabinets. Every one of the workers acted as my muscles, my eyes and my ears, and I could develop them with my own skills and empower them with my bonuses.

While under my roof, I knew what was happening to my workers at all times. Clarisse was no exception; I could view everything about her at any time. Pull her up as a file, just another number on my character sheet, and manifest it into this world. I held such a record in my hand.

"Graduated from Oxford with a doctorate in archaeology. Not the most lucrative of professions, but it would have paid the bills. You had offers from every university of your choosing, but you declined all of them. Instead, you applied for us." I turned the page. "You said your thesis was written on Neverlanders in a historical context."

"That's right." Clarisse nodded. "I was one of the first to notice the link between historical events and the world we live in today. Not only was I early to identify these events as part of a cycle, I was able to conclusively identify the presence of an ancient Neverlander incursion point, located off the coast of New England."

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"Yes, the flooded colony of Raleigh. We're well aware of that site; Magimaid has established a research institution in Plymouth." I felt my lips quirk, unsure what to do with my expression as a whole. "Which is why it is curious that you would decline our offer to lead that institution. You are, by all accounts, a brilliant woman; your loss would be a great loss to the field of magical archaeology."

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean by that, Divine Majesty?" Clarisse played the fool, trying to act confused to throw me off the trail. "I respect the Divine greatly. That is why I wish to serve them."

"I mean that this is a dangerous profession, Clarisse. One unsuited for someone at your level. You've passed every exam measuring your faith, bravery and we have no doubt that you would give your life for your Divine. But I must simply ask why such a talented woman as you should give your life for our cause," I spoke with a conviction I hadn't expected from myself. I thought I was above believing in the things I said. "When you could do such good for the world by keeping your head down and working as the head of our Plymouth research center."

"...with all respect, Divine Majesty, I am not interested in your position. I am only interested in serving the divine." Clarisse shakes her head at me. "Is that all?"

I glanced at Chii, turning my head. She gave a shake of own. "No luck! These are really tangled up, and half her threads are chopped up. I'll need about an hour to finish this job, especially without killing her!"

That's an hour we don't have. We'll just have to make do and try to salvage what's left, if anything. Mad Dog, cast away.

(She already has.) Mad Dog's fingers move and she snaps.

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