THYROS POV
After getting news I went to Nyrral to deliver the Ash Duke with something spicy.
"Any news, Thyros?"
He asked with a knowing smile, seated comfortably on his throne. He might have been informed, but the Ash Duke is always waiting for the news to come from me.
"A lot."
I replied.
"Let's start with someone who made a fool out of us. Creating something huge enough to pull the entirety of Pyrral's army to the scene."
"You mean the darkness explosion? The only thing I can say is that they're skilled with darkness. That's pure darkness similar to what a Dark God can conjure, perhaps higher."
"Apparently."
I smiled.
"I'm listening."
"Someone used the commotion as an advantage, freeing the prisoners. The Caraxis caught the majority of them and took care of them."
"Good."
"Coincidentally, a Cannibal Family member marched into the city and devoured all that's left when we were fooled by someone else."
"Ah, a Cannibal. They did find the right moment to fill their belly."
It was a dreadful situation yet Velros was smiling. Some Cannibals are strong enough to face off against a True Descendent of Vermithys. This alone is something else entirely.
"Lastly, Nyxon slipped through the queen's paws."
"A darkness explosion, Nyxon escapes, a Cannibal appears, the prisoners escape. That doesn't sound like a coincidence to me."
He said, his smile never fading.
"I get where you're coming from. But wouldn't that drive them into a corner?"
"That's what we want. The queen is looking for him. If I tweak the wanted list, the Silverwing Family will take extreme caution in pursuing them. Thus, weakening the Queen's area of influence. The Vaermithorh Family on the other hand will know how to handle the situation."
"I get that. But we need an extra hand."
"I've spoken with Hollow Princess Voreth. The Dukes of Vaermithorh...."
A portal tore open through space and two Void Dragons stepped out in perfect unison.
They were nearly identical, mirror images in stance and build, yet distinct in small ways. One had long black hair that fell across his shoulders, the other kept his short and practical.
Two pairs of red eyes, unblinking and focused entirely on Velros, waiting for a command. Clones, or something close to it, their presence was disciplined, waiting
"Verme & Verma, Dukes of Vermithor."
Velros addressed.
"Here's the plan, Marquis.
Migrate all the guards in Parvak Gate to Veyra's. The Baroness & Count should join them. That much force is enough to secure the eastern region. Verme & Verma will take the south region along with the Caraxis Family. You will lead the remaining Vaermithorhs Family to the northern region."
"And the west?"
I asked.
"That leaves the Silverwing Family in control of the central region."
He continued, before answering.
I'll be waiting at the western Gate."
"So, we're all gonna wait?"
The Marquis asked an important question.
"Just because I'm waiting doesn't mean you all will be waiting. Your guys are going to charge in simultaneously. Leaving no rock unturned and no cave unexplored.
Eventually, you'll reach the central zone which isn't a problem. Once it's cleared, we all know where they'll be heading."
"The Howling Wastes."
"Exactly. The Silverwing are looking for the Outsider named Nyxon. We're looking for The Cannibal named Nyxon."
'So that's what he meant. This will indeed slice down the performance of the Silverwing in pursuing a Cannibal who may end up eating them. But with the Vaermithorh Family numbers, even if we engage with Nyxon, we'll have time to call for reinforcement to help us finish him. That's if Nyxon is the real Cannibal.'
"You two can get going."
The Dukes bowed and left, they're moving in perfect synchrony.
"I'm wondering if Nyxon really is the Cannibal."
"He's not. Framing him is to our advantage."
'He knows?'
"We will take care of an outsider and spare the real threat to us?"
"Who said anything about sparing anyone? Just get prepared and leave the rest to me."
"Ok. I'll see you later."
He's chasing me away. I won't press any further. I bowed slightly before leaving.
'Nyxon isn't the real deal. The Cannibal is. I need to talk to the queen.'
I prepared my force and dispatched them to the north leaving the Viscount in charge. I switched from Nyrral to Pyrral and headed to the Silver Palace.
"Lady Silverhair."
"The Marquis himself clad in armour. Are you going to Parvak?"
She replied from behind the curtains.
"No need to pretend. I'm sure you've heard the news."
"The Ash Duke pinning the Cannibal title to Nyxon. I'm not sure why he'll do that, but it's Velros. He does stupid things."
"I'm not here to reveal our plans."
"Then why are you here?"
"Was Nyxon behind the explosion?"
"No, the queen was with him when it happened."
The Void Dragon above me answered.
"Did Nyxon have any allies?"
"No."
It replied again.
"But a Cannibal can't utilise such darkness."
"We don't know the reason behind that for the moment. Maybe the Wanderer will help us if he gets here."
"It'll be over before he gets in the city."
I replied.
"How certain are you?"
She asked.
"The truth is I'm more concerned about the Cannibal than Nyxon. We may succeed in defeating him but what if the Cannibal uses that opportunity and attacks us? I mean, it waited for thousands of years in the dark and hungry and it didn't hesitate to take the city given the opening provided."
"I get that. If I were you, I'd run when I encounter Nyxon."
"Why, he's just an outsider?"
"An Outsider from another world."
The Dragon replied. This was both good and bad news.
"You're right though. The Cannibal will make a move on what's left of the Vermithor Family after confronting Nyxon. If there's any that is."
It added.
"Heh?"
My eyes widened in surprise and a flicker of fear. Who the hell is Nyxon?
"You heard him. He doesn't plan on joining any sides so you can stop thinking about recruiting him. Besides, Velros already has a hit on him. Something huge is going to go down. If you don't want to die, stand down."
"Retreat isn't a concept. We can't risk confronting Nyxon at all. If only we could fish out the real Cannibal first. I may try to persuade Velros into dropping the hit on Nyxon."
"Let's just hope you guys do. I'll signal you if we find anything. I'd recommend you to do the same."
"I will. This short conversation doesn't mean I'm submitting to you."
I turned towards the exit.
"I'm comfortable with what I have."
She replied but I didn't respond. I left the Silver Palace and headed north.
To be continued...