Chrysalis

Enid was tired, yet energised. She found herself constantly in this state as of late. There were never enough hours in the day for all the things that needed to be done, which meant she was constantly on the run, difficult for a woman of her age. At the same time, she was enthused every day to rise to the challenges of her new home.

From the tragedy that Garralosh had inflicted on the people living on the frontier, they had brought about a miracle of rebirth with the help of the Colony. The town of Renewal grew every day at a pace that could only be described as dizzying. If someone had told her how well the people would be able to grow a new community as quickly and with this level of harmony when they'd started, she'd have refused to believe it.

She'd returned to the community after negotiations had been completed with the representatives of Rylleh. They'd bargained as hard as any merchant in the end, a testament to what people with their backs against the wall were capable of. With the threat of Colony behind her though, there was little they could do to enforce their bluster. The terms were settled to the satisfaction of the nest and for the most part the city was satisfied.

"Mayor," a voice called her back to the present.

Enid turned to see her assistant, Ruth, approach from across the room, a rather worried expression on her face. Usually a steady young woman, it was a rare day that she looked so unsettled. Enid could immediately guess the root of the problem.

"What's he done this time?" she sighed.

How the hell that damnable priest had managed to screw something up so quickly, she could only imagine. When she'd checked on him yesterday, he was still convalescing from his mana poisoning. He should be barely out of bed!

"He and the faithful have gathered in the square, he's really preaching up a storm down there."

Enid frowned.

"Sounds like normal behaviour to me. What's the issue?"

Ruth hesitated.

The crowd is really being whipped

What are

the Priest spoke to the miracle that had occurred, his booming voice captivating the

he orated, "TO RISE! TO STEP FORWARD AND BE COUNTED! OUR SAVIOURS, THE COLONY, BATTLE FOR THEIR VERY SURVIVAL BENEATH THE GROUND. THEY SAVED

breath before he continued with even

STAND ON THE SIDELINE, POWERLESS TO GIVE AID! I TOO, HAVE EXPERIENCED THAT CRUSHING DISAPPOINTMENT.

more than that, his experience over years of delivering fiery sermons had honed his instincts to a fine point. He could already sense the restless energy building in his audience, getting ready to reach a

ON THIS VERY DAY, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO STAND SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH OUR

crowd grew stronger as he continued to exhort them with this great miracle. Beyn possessed a stellar reputation for honesty and good dealings within the community, there were none who would doubt his word. Even in matters of the Colony he

thrust forward an accusatory finger. "THE PEACE YOU EXPERIENCE NOW, A PEACE THAT

these people, they

PREPARE YOURSELVES, MY PEOPLE! WE ARE PREPARING TO LAUNCH A GREAT CRUSADE INTO THE DUNGEON! WE WILL FIGHT ALONGSIDE THE

his own speech. They were his instrument and modulations of his powerful voice seized their attention and didn't let it go. His presence demanded

the air

WHAM!

audience and Beyn were stunned as he stumbled to the side and fell to the ground. After he gathered his senses, he turned to see Enid storming towards him

HELL ARE YOU DOING YOU IDIOT PRIEST?!" She roared