Chrysalis

When the Eldest rested, there was a change that came over the Colony. It was as if we were set adrift, without the guiding force that drove us. Naturally, we were as industrious as ever. We built, researched, expanded, administered, hunted and built with our customary vigour, yet something was missing. During those times, an air of stillness would descend upon the family, as if we were waiting, as if everything we did was simply in preparation for whatever would come next once the Eldest awoke.

Despite everything we had been given by the Eldest, our intelligence, curiosity and independence, we still lacked a crucial element that would allow us to truly flourish. After living through these events and reflecting upon the records, as well as interviewing many, many of my siblings throughout the history of the Colony, I came to the conclusion that, fundamentally, we still were ants. We were greedy, ambitious and determined, ever hungry for growth, for more brood, more territory, more resources, but the Eldest was the one who dared to dream for more than that. It was the Eldest who pushed us to strive for the truly valuable, intangible things that we didn’t know we needed.

They pushed us to gain more freedom. It was the Eldest who demanded that we rise above our instincts and value our sense of self. It was the Eldest who fought to allow us the power of choice over our own lives. It was the Eldest who elevated us and allowed us to value these qualities in others, to forge partnerships and alliances.

While they slept, we reverted to a primitive state, bustling endlessly within our nests, waiting for the moment they woke so we could explode into motion once more, and grow in ways we didn’t know we could.

For this reason, the Eldest must be preserved at all costs. The Colony requires them in order to achieve our fullest potential. No matter what need be done, they cannot be allowed to fall.

- Written submission from Historiant to the Council.

creating pockets and tunnels

of perfect darkness within her reach was pleasing. They were like beacons that she could see with total clarity, could move through with complete ease. With

Master slept under the

on all of them. Tiny lifted his head, a gleam of intent in his eyes. He had appeared asleep, dozing loudly, his breath rumbling throughout the chamber, until

before he closed his eyes once more. Shortly, the

how swiftly he could snap to alertness. Though he might not give the impression of it, he was

eye fixated on the sleeping form of the giant ant in the centre of the chamber. The bright green glow that radiated from him filled the space; even without eyes, she could sense it driving back the shadows. Doubtless he was filled with envious thoughts,

an unusual creature, her demon sibling, but she did not question his devotion. He was committed to defending the Master, in his own way. How many times had his shields and healing saved the

as it should be, she turned her focus back to the shifting form of the Master. Not long ago, the changes had begun, fluctuating waves of mana rippling over the sleeping form.

as shiny as what had come before, for the Master’s