Her first stop was the dome, named after its spherical ceiling. It was one of the largest caverns in the warren and filled with structures to train the brood’s warriors. There wasn’t much cause for them, as an enemy hadn’t breached their territory since the first century they relocated to their current home, but it was tradition.

Most of their warriors slumbered in different caverns, hibernating so they wouldn’t be a drain on the brood’s resources until they were needed. She couldn’t imagine how many there were after hundreds of birth cycles. Enough that the brood didn’t have to fear war, even without the titans.

Those training within the dome were the newest generation. Hardly the most capable the brood had to offer but they also had yet to be assigned duties. That meant they would follow her orders without question. At least until someone of higher rank overruled her.

After scanning the cavern, she settled on the group running the advanced obstacle course. Strength wouldn’t do her any good. She needed speed and stealth. If they were here, it was because they had the aptitude to become scouts for the brood. Exactly the force she needed.

The lessers gave way as she crossed the cavern. Among their number were both dull-scales and those with hue, showing they had talent in magic if untrained. At the head of the course, she spoke aloud, “Someone run to the end and bring the others here.”

As expected, they did as instructed without question. In moments, two dozen estrazi stood before her. “You, you, and you.” She pointed out one of the dull-scales that had an abnormally large tail that would be difficult to hide, a black scale, and a speckled scale. The physical and the null affinity were too precious to take on a whim. While she was being brash, she didn’t intend to abandon the brood. Taking away such valuable resources would mean her execution if she dared to return.

“You.” She pointed to a red scale. “Go to the storage and prepare rations for a month-long journey. Have it packed into sacks and prepare rope to secure them. You and you.” She pointed to a blue and brown scale. “Go to the surface and prepare enough sleds to carry our supplies.” She would have loved to take a few of the softies to pull them but they were also a valuable resource. Worse, she couldn’t take them past the wall and the poor creatures weren’t clever enough to find their way back alone. If she didn’t want them to disappear in a storm, her group would be making the journey on foot.

“The rest of you, retrieve discrete weapons, long cloaks, and medicine. Once you’re ready, make sure the supplies are loaded onto the sleds and wait on the main road of the village. Dismissed.”

They scattered immediately, disappearing into different tunnels. Little Water felt a small thrill. Now that she had given the orders, she had sealed her fate. If someone asked, she would have no excuse. Even if they stopped her, the plot alone would be enough to warrant a strict punishment.

The thought spurred her to move faster. Back down, to a cavern much larger than her own. The warren had no doors. If a member of the brood wanted to show deference or was visiting someone who became irritable at invasions of their territory, they paused just outside of the room and crooned, announcing their presence. Little Water let out a melodious warble that echoed off the cavern’s high ceiling and waited with growing impatience for a response.

It took several minutes, a purposeful waste of time, but it came, a deeper cry bidding her to enter. Little Water moved slowly despite her impatience, enjoying the lavish furnishings. Digging her toes into the soft rug was particularly delightful. She couldn’t dawdle forever. Sharp eyes judged her for every moment she lingered, reminding her that although she had been welcomed, her presence was by no means appreciated.

Lounging on several cushions atop an elevated platform lay a female estrazi with golden scales that shined as if they’d been brushed with liquid sunlight. She sat up as Little Water stopped below her. “This is a surprise. I think this is the first time you’ve visited me, little one.”

“I don’t dare waste your time, Sister Good Light.” Saying her name reminded Little Water to tread carefully. Good Light was one of her more talented sisters, one step away from being named Great, the pinnacle of magical power within the brood.

The brood didn’t believe in waste. Therefore, she didn’t fear her sisters would harm her unprovoked. However, if someone like Good Light wished to, it would be a sin easily forgiven. To the brood, she wasn’t worth one of her sister’s little horns. If she made her sister angry, Good Light could ruin her life with a casual wave of her hand. It was why Little Water never spoke with her more powerful sisters if she could avoid it.

This time, the need outweighed the risk.

The estrazi did not feel fear. Not the way a human would describe it. They were servants meant to handle problems that could annoy the majesties. Balking or retreating from their duties wasn’t acceptable.

While they didn’t feel fear, they could feel anxiety. Little Water’s tail twitched, giving away her discomfort as she was scrutinized, but it didn’t keep her from speaking. Finally, Good Light turned her head with a huff. “Don’t waste my time pretending you came here for sentiment. What do you want?”

“I would like to borrow a tool from you.”

“Hm. Which one?”

“…the scale gifted to you by mother.”

Good Light’s eyes snapped to her, her impassive gaze laced with scorn. “You refer to the gift of the majesties as a simple tool? Have you no respect?”

“I respect it and the majesty it came from very much. That doesn’t change its nature.” She also needed it. She felt much better asking for it if she downplayed its importance. “It is a tool and tools are meant to be used. Is that not why they were given to us?”

“They were meant to be used if the brood came under attack or someone attempted to break the seal on the Defiler. Not for…whatever you mean to use such a precious resource for.” She huffed when Little Water avoided her gaze. “You dare make me ask for an explanation? Have you forgotten the meaning of sincerity?”

“I need it to go places where I won’t be welcome.”

“If you are not welcome, then you shouldn’t go.”

“It’s important.”

“I don’t see how a human man is more important than my scale.” Good Light scoffed at the way her sister’s tail froze. “Don’t look so surprised. It’s quite obvious what you want. Chasing a mate is rather unbecoming of you, little one. Are you even sure it’s a viable match? He is quite different from us in that regard.”

“It isn’t about mating,” Little Water grumbled. “It is about forging a better future for the brood.”

“Since when does the brood’s future involve any other race? Don’t play coy. This is about your future. So, little one. Convince me. Why should I invest so much in your future?”

“Is stopping a future war not enough of a benefit?”

“The brood is not afraid of war. There are thousands of estrazi slumbering in our territory. Enough to drown the armies that march past the human’s walls three times over with plenty to spare. Our mission is to ensure the Defiler stays beneath the waters. How does your selfish whims benefit that mission?”

Little Water’s thoughts spun as she searched for a convincing argument. “Father spoke of a second calamity in the human lands. He says that the calamities meeting is inevitable. If I go, I can find critical information that ensures that it doesn’t end in tragedy.”

“You would willingly seek out a calamity? If you have nothing else, you have a brave heart, little one.” Good Light cradled her head as her tail thumped the cushion beneath her. “…very well.” Her eyes glowed as she raised a finger. A ray of light extended from it, illuminating a small, ornate box on a shelf carved from the opposite wall.

Little Water huffed when she saw there was no easy way to reach what she needed. She didn’t dare ask Good Light to fetch a servant from her adjoining room, as a powerful female didn’t share space with dull-scales. With reluctance in her heart, she grabbed the uneven wall and hauled herself up it. While unpleasant, the task was relatively easy. Good Light’s spell disappeared once she had the box in her hand.

Little Water dropped to the floor and raised the lid. Resting atop several layers of white cloth was a golden scale. It was duller than Good Light’s own scales, which meant it had lost most of its power. Little Water was fairly confident that it would be able to function as intended but how long it would last was questionable.

“A trade, little one. I give you my scale. In return, if you don’t return with this critical information, you’re mine to do with as I please. Mother won’t interfere so don’t think you can escape through death. Agreed?”

“Agreed.” Little Water didn’t have the leeway to negotiate or refuse.

“Good. Run along then. You have a long way to travel and you want to reach the walls before the spring storms come.”

“Mm.” She gratefully took the chance to escape, hurrying from her sister’s cavern while holding the box against her chest.

Shrewd eyes watched her until she disappeared. “Satisfied, Father?”