“There are 5 locations where the signals are coming from, though we suspect more farther in the mainland given the pattern. We have narrowed their locations down to within a hundred miles in these areas.” J switches on a projector with a map of the mainland with variously sized red circles overlaid. “As you can see, they are in far from welcoming locations.”

  There’s a slight murmur from the adults and the Bancrofts move forward and point to the smallest circle, which is also the closest and only one away from the Mainland. “There are no islands here. Are you saying that the signal is coming from a submerged precursor ruin?”

  J shrugs. “That is our current leading hypothesis. However, as it is away from the controlled chain, and we had no reason to send any expedition there other than occasional fast recon craft to confirm the absence of new land. Though I suppose it is somewhat fortuitous that our nation’s leading experts on submerged islands will be joining us.”

  “The Pelghasts are coming too?” Gerrald says in mock confusion, causing Rachel to elbow him in the ribs.

  Allia speaks. “This data matches the set that we collected over past week, though it is more refined and complete. We didn’t find the submerged source, for instance.”

  J nods. “It was one of the harder ones to locate. I would have been surprised if your team had.”

  “Well, it does change our plan somewhat. We assumed we would go straight to Lospor and use that as a base. But checking out this water source could add a week to our getting there.”

  “Yes, what a dilemma,” J says, clearly trying not to gloat and only partially succeeding. “The source is in deep waters, possibly an abyss, making it likely impossible to get to. But if the miasma is increasing in the area like it is in the others, then who knows how dangerous it would be to leave it unchecked. It could cause wildlife to mutate into monsters, monsters to mutate into more dangerous variants, and maybe even attract a Kraken nest. All within a couple hundred miles of the chain – close enough to be a danger, but far enough to not be patrolled. But who knows what the dangers of letting the demons getting an orb first might be? I certainly would not want to be the one making the decision as to the order in which we seek the signals.” She obviously lies at the end, letting herself slip into a full gloat.

  Allia gives her a level stare. “When I said that the requirement for joining us was getting along, I included myself in that stipulation.”

  J looks down, clearly abashed, and half mutters. “Er, yes, my apologies. I was churlish. I will endeavour not let such emotions get the better of me. Still, it is your decision to make, though I will of course help you make it in whatever way you wish.”

  Allia nods magnanimously. “I forgive you. This has been stressful for all of us. Which signal did it look like the demons were pursuing?”

  “This one,” J points to a circle over a sea of green.

  “The elven woods? We didn’t find that one either,” Allia says, stroking her chin.

  J nods. “We think the woods are somehow having a similar diffusing effect as the waters. We only found it recently ourselves.”

  “Right… will the elves allow the demons to enter their woods?”

  J shrugs. “We do not know. Of all the known political entities, the elves are the least hostile to the demons. Yet we have no evidence that they’ve actually allowed any inside of their border. Even if they do though, the diffusion effect of the woods should delay their effort to find it. I believe we should have time to check the water signal, and it will save us time in the long run.”

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  Allia narrows her eyes in thought. “And what if the elves know about the signal and shows the demons the source?”

  “Then we’re screwed either way. We would not be able to reach them in time even if we went directly to them. Might as well act as if it won’t happen then.”

  Allia chews her lip, clearly disliking the suggestion. “Yeah, but even without that happening, to leave them alone to search for a whole extra week?”

  J shakes her head. “We will not be leaving them alone. We have agents in the area who will be harassing them and delaying their search.”

  Allex joins in. “They’ll be a lot more effecting if they had army support.”

  J gives him a level stare. “If you wish to involve the army, I cannot stop you. However, if you do, I will be leaving the operation to pursue matters on my own. This operation requires subtlety which the army lacks. Their ‘help’ will only make things more complicated.”

  “So you say,” Allex smugly.

  “Do you have cause to disagree?” J asks.

  Allex shrugs. “Not as such, no. But let’s just say I’m prejudiced against your prejudice.”

  Allia interjects. “Enough. J is right, the elven circle is by far the largest. Going to the island signal first is our best course.”

  J nods. “I’m glad we agree. Just one problem. When we do go to the elven source, we don’t have a way to safely enter their border.”

  “Hmm,” Allia intones, stroking her chin. “Well, as it so happens don’t we have a half elf at the school? Perhaps he can help?”

  “You mean Jason?” J asks. “I doubt a half-blood would have the sway to open their borders to us given how protective of them they are.”

  Allia raises an eyebrow. “Do you have specific intelligence regarding that, or are you just assuming?”

  “…I suppose the latter. Why? Do you know something about it?”

  Allia shrugs, taking a drink of water as she contemplates an answer. “Well, he might have just been playing a joke on me, but the way he tells it, he’s their god.”

  J raises a sceptical eyebrow. “Why would a god leave their worshipers?”

  Emil laughs. “Asks the cults. They’re never in want of an answer for that particular question.”

  Allia smiles at the jest, then turns back to a serious face. “Well, theology aside, let’s just say he disagreed with the description. Or rather, he found their lack of expectation for his inaction to be unreasonable.”

  “I have no idea what that means,” J says with a bemused and amused expression.

  “Heh, yeah. We’ll let’s just say it’s complicated, but I think he’ll be our best bet of getting in. Good enough to at least ask him. It won’t take long to ask for help, and if he was telling an elaborate joke then I’m sure he’ll come clean when we ask to disrupt his life and take him back to where he just left.”

  J nods. “Yes, suppose it’s worth a shot. But I will initiate fall back plans just in case. Now onto other signals. 2 of the signals are deep in the oldlands – precursor cities where monsters roam so fierce that even the demons fear to tread it. Or so we’re told. For all we know the demons might have their own settlements there. Still, they are the farthest away, and so would make sense to be approached last.

  “The final signal is in an area of mountainous terrain. A frigid landscape requiring constant spells just to keep moving. We don’t know which mountain it is on, but one of the mountains is known to be home to a dragon – at least twice the size of the illusion you fought in class. Our assumption is that the signal is coming from its home.”

  “Do you have evidence for that belief?” Sarrah asks, speaking up for the first time in the meeting.

  J shrugs. “No. It would just be our luck, no? Or rather, given how dangerous the other locales are, it seems likely for it to have such a protector. Besides, best to assume the worse so we can prepare for it.”

  “And can we prepare for a dragon that size?” Allia asks. “I know the oldest are supposed to be on par with krakens, or worse, but I don’t know what that means in terms of what we can muster.”

  J makes a wishy wash motion. “A dragon of the age we think this to be would be on equal footing with the baited breath or the sky kraken.”

  “Meaning we’d have no chance,” Sarrah says.

  J shakes no. “Not with a retrofitted yatch. Though given how many mages we’ll be bringing, who knows. Either way, we can get reinforcement before pursuing it.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Allia says, standing up. “Here’s a list of all the research equipment we’ll be bringing and our experts. Give Allex a list of any necessary amendments as well people you plan to bring. Otherwise, I think this meeting is over.”