Chrysalis

When the noise finally died down, Isaac pulled his hands from over his ears and slowly, very slowly, opened his eyes.

The first thing he felt… was relief that the roof hadn’t collapsed on top of him. A good start. Next came the relief that his legs hadn’t fallen off or been crushed, they were simply numb from the incessant shaking of the floor.

Wins all around. Isaac was beginning to hold out hope that his moustache hadn’t fallen straight off his face from the stress, but he deliberately didn’t reach up to check. He wasn’t ready to find out his suspicions were correct after all.

Soundly convinced that he was (sans moustache) in one, sound piece, he began to turn his attention to everyone else.

“Hello! Ant cavalry, sound off!”

He got a few muffled calls, some groans and a few swear words for his efforts. The air was thick with dust and he could barely see ten metres in front of himself.

There must have been a collapse somewhere in the chamber to kick up all this mess; he could only hope nobody not covered in a second skin of minerals had been caught underneath. Confident he wouldn’t get much more out of his human squad mates, he turned to pheromones and called out again.

“Ant cavalry? Who can smell this?”

“How are you, Captain Isaac?”

“Doing well over here!”

“That was something interesting, wasn’t it?”

“Finished napping, then? Ready to get to work?”

“Anyone else want some biscuits and tea when we get back to the ship?”

“Stop slacking, Captain!”

the ants had already collected their less active riders and deposited them in a line

Shock. They were rattled by what had just happened. And why wouldn’t they be?

placing a hand on their faces, shaking hands. Most were able to acknowledge him, some were able to get up and assist with a little

get a mage to clear this dust?” he asked one of the ants. “It’s as thick as me mam’s porridge, even if it tastes better. I

has been purloined without the

of them are clearing out the rock, but I’m sure someone can spare

they were ‘clearing

the devastation. Luckily, the area occupied by the trade mission was undamaged. The brathian merchants were there, along with Eran and her family. The ants were also safe, though most of

doing their best to clear a pathway. Isaac saw immediately what the problem was. With so few ants allowed inside, most of those who had entered were carvers who specialised in making things, and the soldiers who were part of the cavalry. Precious few mages had

headed over to see what he

ants met his offer with

use your… hands… to shift some rock…

rock with those? They aren’t

I can move rock,” he snapped, reaching down to pick up a

it. However, he couldn’t put it down now, so he

out. “Don’t underestimate

holding up one of her front legs and snipping

wasn’t really something he kept in the forefront of

what

of them

most likely correct, Isaac had been around Anthony long

he pressed. “I’d love to have a