Chrysalis

My conversation with Rassan’tep is short, and soon I have to open up the way and slip back into the pavilion, head buzzing with what I’ve learned. This is the truth of the Ancients? They’ve had enough of Pangera and want to get the heck out?

Why? This place seems fine!

I mean, would I remove centipedes from the spawn pool for monsters? Yes, yes I would. And will. Other than that, people seem to be getting along alright.

And what happens to Pangera when this dimensional boundary is broken? Is the planet fine and the Ancients just buzz off, or does it explode!? Rassan’tep was pretty vague on this point, and I think I would want a definitive answer before I decided to worship Arconidem. I mean, is the Demon God trying to blow up Pangera or not? Fairly darn fundamental question!

Surrounded by my family once more, watching them skitter about, setting up stalls, precisely laying out the fruits of their labours, I certainly want an answer to that question!

“Sloan! Can I get a minute?”

“Sure thing, Eldest! Just give me a moment.”

She finishes whatever conversation she was having and comes over to me, antennae waving furiously.

“I’m extremely busy right now, Eldest, I hope this won’t take long.”

“This isn’t a battle, you know. It’s shopping.”

“The longer we are on this expedition and the more I speak with Eran Thouris, the more similarities I see. It may have been a mistake to leave Solant behind, she would have learned much.”

Probably, but she has plenty to do where she is right now.

“I’ll be brief then, I need to talk to Brilliant. Urgently.”

Sloan’s demeanour becomes grave.

“She can come to us, as I’m sure you know, but it may cause problems if an ant is detected jumping into the middle of a ka’armodo stronghold without a gate.”

She has a good point, and I hesitate for a moment, but no, this is too serious. If the lizard-wizards get all bent out of shape, then I’ll deal with the fallout when it happens.

“This is important, Sloan. Send word. I need to talk to her as soon as possible.”

“Very well, Eldest. I’ll get it done.”

years ago, doesn’t mean it’s actually true. In fact, why would it be true? The big demon was probably lying through his teeth and the Ancients have some other scheme in mind for

Eldest. It is I!

has been taken without consent; if you

Gah!

heck did

a superior look and I swear my antenna moves without my conscious

THWACK!

was that

correction. Never

“But my head hurts.”

A task. This will stress your mind and

practically quivers

Did you forget

is sensitive information I’m not sure everyone in the Colony

[You getting me?]

[Loud and clear.]

Now, I have learned, from an ancient order of hidden scholars, that this

….

….

I decide to add

[DUN, DUN, DUNNNNN!]

stare

off from the rest of the universe? Or something? And the Ancients really want to break it… but

looking at me,

you to… work out if that’s

[It is.]

….

[Right.]

the secret truths of the world, I’m sure I did. Where is her

me any further! My mind is

so excited she starts prodding my leg with one

up a second. What do you mean “it is”? You already know

there’s a huge dimensional wall that locks it off from somewhere. It’s present in every dimension and forms