The Matriarch's Daughter

Chapter Twenty-Two: Waiting

"That about sums it up for the day," the Archduke said, addressing Thepa and the lieutenants. "Remember what we discussed regarding Triad. We can't afford even a hint of favoritism from the arbitrator. Anyone caught accepting bribes will be court-martialed. Captain Thepa, I expect you will make sure everything stays aboveboard?"

"Yes, Your Grace," she replied, her tone flat.

"Excellent. The rest of you are dismissed. Captain Thepa, if you don't mind, I'd like you to stay."

Thepa nodded as her ten lieutenants filed out. Aldermoon passed her with a small smile—whether it was meant as comfort or warning, she couldn't tell and didn't care to guess. Instead,  she remained motionless until the door clicked shut behind them.

"Doing alright, Captain?" the Archduke asked.

No.

"Never better. How can I serve you, Your Grace?"

He studied her for a beat longer. If he saw through her lie, he let it go. Instead, he slid a thick folder across the polished table.

"Take a look at this."

Thepa opened it, her brow furrowed.

Mission Report: Bellemouth Abyss Surveillance
Operatives: Draco & Einkidi Fox: Wildenhaven Ministry of Wizardry.
Location: Bellemouth Abyss: Lightmount-controlled Territory
Objective: Gather intelligence on high-ranking goblin officials

Report Summary:
During a routine supply mission to Bellemouth Abyss, we observed heightened activity among high-ranking goblin officials near the Lightmount-controlled ionic crystal. The nature of this movement appears strategically significant, though its exact purpose remains unclear.

We attempted to secure an official assignment under our polymorphed guise, but were denied clearance. Undeterred, we initiated independent surveillance. The information gathered outlines patterns of movement, emerging strategic behaviors, and possible links to broader operations.

Enclosed are annotated maps, transcripts of intercepted messages, and behavioral analyses for immediate review.

Thepa's brow furrowed deeper with each line she read. The whole thing screamed Trap with a capital T.

"I don't know, Your Grace," she said, tapping her fingers against the table. "Unusual goblin activity, new leadership? It all feels too..."

Convenient was the word she wanted, but it didn't quite fit. Her eyes dropped, scanning its lines again as if a second look might reveal something she'd missed. When her gaze fell on Einkidi's name, her breath hitched.

"Are we certain my... the operatives haven't been compromised?"

"Counter-Intelligence doesn't believe so," the Archduke replied evenly. "As a precaution, they ordered the agents to cease their attempts to get assigned to the area. For now, they're lying low. Still, we feel a deeper investigation into the activity at Bellemounth Abyss could be crucial to the war effort."

Thepa pressed her lips into a thin line, tightening her grip on the report's edge. "With all due respect, Your Grace, if I'm reading this right, those tunnels are a death trap. Whoever goes in might not come out." She leaned forward, tapping a map with her index finger. "Unstable passageways, limited exits, fortified perimeter? That's not examining a chicken coop for eggs; it's more lambs being led to a slaughterhouse." She straightened. "If you want this done, you'll need the best... and a damn good escape plan."

"I'm glad you said that, Captain. I believe we have both."

"Your Grace?" Thepa asked, confusion tightening her voice. As far as she knew, the new elite strike team was still weeks away from finishing their training.