Chrysalis

The Eldest had laid down the challenge and Solant could feel the pressure immediately. Someone like her, not even a full graduate of the Antcademy, was to be put in charge of a battlefield during a wave. Only the authority of the Eldest made something like this possible, the defenders of the nest put their faith in their strongest member and trusted that Solant would not fail them.

The pressure was immense.

Clearly, the Eldest intended to put her and her broodmates directly into the fire, the only place the strongest steel could be forged. The weight of responsibility settled on her carapace immediately, a crushing weight that threatened to drive even the mana from her core.

She welcomed it. More than that, she relished it.

“I am grateful to the Eldest,” she told her precious sisters as they gathered in their chamber after torpor. “Either we are right in what we do and how we do it, or we are wrong. If we are wrong, let us fail now, before too much damage can be done. If we are right, then let us succeed, and lead the family to victory.”

The others listened solemnly, fully aware of what was riding on their performance in battle that day.

“We’re with you,” Leonidant assured her. “All the way.”

“Of course. There’s no such thing as a general, unless there is an army.”

Two parts of a single whole.

When they emerged from the chamber, they found the Eldest and the three guardians waiting for them.

day?” the Eldest

Solant confirmed, no hint of wavering in her

in charge,

the thought of leading the Eldest anywhere in the nest, Solant nevertheless stepped forward and marched to the centre of the enormous staging chamber, in which the gathered generals administered the never ending defensive

dozens of tunnels that led from this one central hub. Some were returning to rest, others shifting from one field of engagement to another. The priorities under the nest changed from minute to minute, depending on what dreadful creatures emerged

could

hours,” Solant announced to the frazzled Victor, who sat surrounded by messengers

then noticed the Eldest looming in the back. “Oh. Fine. Go quickly and don’t make any mistakes. We’re hard pressed

We

led her procession to the tunnel scent-marked as A3. She had

contact with

the next

ant sized her up

in two hours. I’ll inform the other generals,

quick salute with her antennae which was returned

down with the three guardians beside them. It hurt

she reminded herself, if they don’t think it’s a

the time to speak to all of the troops waiting for their turn on the frontline. She needed to check in with the healers, the soldiers,