Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Ch 65: Thwarted Designs of the Captor - Part 1

A few days later:

Since the attack on that desert hovel nearly two weeks ago, there has been no change in activity around that eyesore of a structure guarded by that loathsome bird. No additional guards, no changes in patrol routes, and this was reported by Ervin's several spotters who monitor miles of the Wall day and night.

There was a scare not long after, as that dreaded form of hellfire began to take shape, but it was only for their annual celebration, to boast how that wall still stands and keeps the Colonials caged like rats.

But, all it really took was a flying machine and an illusion to slip past the greatest threat to the Colonies for decades? It seems too easy.

'Granted, I was the first to attempt an aerial approach and return unscathed, where all others have failed with ground assaults.'

Regardless, it's still risky. This will be the last time, but Elek's companions are the most crucial to retrieve.

According to reports from those who paid for Elek's skeletons, the two Colonial couriers who delivered them have visas to the Wall. From what Ervin observed firsthand, they demonstrate exceptional combat skills, possibly even surpassing the strongest soldiers of Povari. Multiple accounts from printing facilities along the Wall mention the female one providing information for that newsletter the guilds find so valuable.

'Their Brand belongs to the Maul Family, and militia is under their jurisdiction, but those two's techniques are nothing like the soldiers from the Magcore Cavity. According to the spies I sent, there was an older Urushian warrior who acted paternal towards them. Perhaps he was their mentor? Their combat style may be derived from Urushian techniques.'

Regardless, the Urushian is dead. The man who managed to return swore by it. Still, they managed to ruin the sled that was lent to them, drank swill until they were inebriated, and lost to one man, even with electric-powered magic tools—incompetent fools.

'Those two would make excellent security for me. That may not be that simple a task. Even if I offered to execute the man to avenge the Urushian's death, they most likely are loyal to Elek. I don't see why. He has nothing to offer them. I doubt money or threats will work either. Perhaps my hypnosis will be what persuades them.'

Then there's that Urushian woman with the strange inscription circles. The guilds mentioned sometimes paying one as a guide into the Everlasting Expanse, and the one who fiercely defended Elek fit the description perfectly.

'No matter what was thrown at her, she never left Elek's side, and her eyes glared at me with such detest. She'll never be swayed. As much as her elemental inscriptions could be utilized for my own purposes, I know she will never cooperate as long as Elek remains my prisoner. Elek knows this, too. Perhaps a deal where she and Elek can resume their happy little love life, under strict supervision, in exchange for more of the mutated bones.'

Then there's the ice woman. Not much could be said about her from the intel, just that the others, even Elek, took commands from her. She is truly unique, with magic never seen before. She is as fluent in controlling ice as an Urushian with their element, but she looks nothing like them.

'I wouldn't know the first thing about bargaining with her. A complete mystery. Alive, she has no immediate value to me. If anything, dissection will yield more useful knowledge than talking will.'

And lastly, the damaged Construct. Without seeing it firsthand, the description given was completely unorthodox. Aside from the damage, it looked human—uncannily human. It had no inner workings, no magic inscriptions, and no life core. Just a metal shell resembling a Colonial servant. It's also strange that the Urushian it was attached to said they found it after a recent attack by a beast. The Mauls oversee the manufacture of the highest quality Constructs.