“One of my students, Xavios De Mien Tel Tarthos” — the others flashed acknowledgement of the student; they knew hir — “was working on baseline para-elemental measurements and detected malleable levels of para-elements in the Abyss!”
The other calyphs flashed shock and surprise, as well as a request for confirmation from Le Senara. Le Senara flashed acknowledgement of their surprise. “Naturally, I rechecked the measurements myself. They were correct!”
This ignited extensive flashing and expressions of shocked bewilderment between the calyphs, disbelief even. It was safe to say the other calyphs all had appreciably similar reactions and quickly reached a consensus of emotion.
“Were the malleables scattered in any pattern? Were there sufficient coagulations — you did say malleable? That should imply coagulation of para-elements, yes?” Cryan Ser Viat asked impatiently.
“Indeed, they were where we last saw them in the Abyss: Mount Doom! It appears to have awakened and is once again is producing malleables!” Le Senara gushed hir thoughts and emotions.
“Could this be more than simply coincident with the balling we viewed from Crispin in service to Randolf of Turelane?” Te Narthos pondered.
The others flashed their thoughts and emotions for a few moments before Ser Sayat summarized what they were feeling. “It would seem extremely improbable that two such monumental and, may I express, epic, events should occur in what must be considered a simultaneous period on the timescale of the multiverse.”
“So it would appear this demon that stole the false god’s mana used that mana to awaken the volcano?” Te Narthos stated.
“That is likely, but we need to investigate to be sure,” Her Tanaya expressed.
“I think, and would like to believe, that we all agree? That re-establishing relations with Mount Doom, and thus the Abyss, is critical to our long-term goals?” Te Narthos expressed. The others all rapidly flashed agreement and emotional support for the suggestion.
“Then we must begin coagulation of a new golem at Mount Doom so that we may make contact with the new master.” Again, the others flashed agreement with Te Narthos’s suggestion.
“Le Senara?” Ser Sayat inquired of the other calyph. “Since you are most familiar with the situation, might you take it upon yourself, at our request, to begin forming the golem?” The other three calyphs flashed unanimity.
Le Senara flashed colors and scents of appreciation at Ser Sayat and the rest. “I would be so honored, and give thanks to the Grand Calyphos for such an opportunity!”
“Next, we must consider who our ambassador should be,” Cryan Ser Viat expressed.
“Ahh, Cryan Ser Viat!” Her Tanaya cautioned the youngest member quickly. “At Mount Doom we are most likely dealing with D’Orcs, which are, at heart, orcs. We must never mention such terms as ambassador, diplomat or similar titles or job functions.”
“Agreed!” flashed Ser Sayat. “Such words can get our — agent — evicted, or worse, dissipated.” All five expressed horror and dismay at the thought of dissipation.
“My apologies. I now recall this.” Hir contrition shone and smelled quite brightly within the space, causing Her Tanaya to express regret at expressing such a rapid and shrill reaction. She had not meant to shame Cryan Ser Viat; hir only concern had been the proposed mission and ensuring they were all careful.
Cryan Ser Viat expressed colors, scent and soft audibility to acknowledge and thank hir for hir concern.
“Trying to resolve my memory, I believe the term ‘military adjutant’ might serve?” Ser Sayat proposed.
Te Narthos expressed agreement with a hint of hesitation. “We should verify this, but I believe that’s correct. How long until you have a golem ready?” Te Narthos directed this at Le Senara.
“Assuming it is undisturbed — base levels are still thin — between five and six Abyssal periods,” Le Senara replied.
“Then it would be best for you to get started while we deliberate on a list of candidates. When we have a list, we shall join you to select one,” Ser Sayat expressed.
Le Senara and the others flashed agreement.
“I don’t like the way that — creature — back there, is looking at me,” Vaselle whispered nervously to Damien as they walked down the corridor towards the main dining hall. “I think it’s trying to decide when to eat me.” He quickly glanced back to the rear of the party, where Tal Gor and Schwarzenfürze were bringing up the rear.
Antefalken’s head quickly ducked between the two wizards. “I am not sure if Schwarzenfürze wanted to eat you before, but now that you’ve called her a ‘creature’ and an ‘it,’ I am pretty sure it’s just a matter of time before she does.” The bard grinned at Vaselle.
“She can hear me? She can understand me?” Vaselle asked.
“Wargs are well known for their superb senses. Given that a D’Warg is a super-powered warg, I am sure she can hear you.” Antefalken shrugged. “As far as understanding you, wargs can’t speak particularly well or at all, but they certainly understand orcish and often several other languages, including human ones.”
Vaselle gulped as Antefalken continued. “And given that she’s a very old D’Warg that’s been in the Abyss for a long time — I have no doubt she understands universal and so understands what we are saying.”
“Should I apologize?” Vaselle asked, concerned.
Antefalken shrugged. “It might help. But I would do it from a distance.”
Vaselle looked at him, eyes wide. “So I would have a chance to run away if she comes for me?”
Antefalken laughed. “Not at all. To give her some sport! Wargs, and thus surely D’Wargs, like to play with their dinners first. There is no way you could escape her! According to Vespa, Schwarzenfürze is the oldest and meanest D’Warg in the Abyss. Which would mean in the entire multiverse. She once took on two greater demons at once and slew them permanently! That’s why she looks rather beat up.”
“I’m doomed,” Vaselle wailed quietly.
“Well, I suppose I could try and put a good word in with Tal Gor for you; maybe he can convince her not to eat you?” Antefalken said.
“Anything, please?” Vaselle begged.
Damien was giving Antefalken a dirty look. Antefalken gave the councilor a wink that Vaselle could not see.
They came into a large kitchen, where a number of D’Orcs were busy preparing extremely large portions of meats, carving and trimming them for roasting. A few other D’Orcs were preparing bundles of wood to go into the ovens.
“This is one of three kitchens where we are slow roasting meat for dinner tomorrow night. We plan to slow roast everything to a nice rare, or medium rare. The wood is to add flavor. Naturally, being in the Abyss, we don’t need wood for fire!” Vespa told them.
“We have three other kitchens preparing meat, two preparing bread, and another one preparing vegetables,” Vespa said.
“Don’t forget Tizzy’s kitchen!” Fer-Rog spoke up; he and Rupert were with the group as well. Rupert had been really happy to see Damien again.