It wasnt too much trouble to find Anneliese and all with her after taking care of Good King Norman. Despite the barriers in their way, Argrave was again connected to Elenore. That enabled their speedy communication and reunition. They were holed up in a grove far outside of town, likely because it was far away from the army of golems blocking the exit to Sandelabara.

As Orion and Argrave travelled, a haunting call echoed throughout the city. It was soon followed by the screams of crowds as all hell broke loose. When Argrave looked over, he saw one of the dreaded Shadowlanders emerge from a gaping abyss above the town. It looked like a whale that had been blacked out entirely, yet it had an elongated obese human face lined with rows of teeth where a beard mightve been. Uncountable mouths hidden in that jungle of teeth created a choir of voices singing joyously as they descended upon the city. It confirmed what Argrave had fearedTraugotts time had been dedicated on perfecting the trouble that hed caused on Dirracha. This portal, it seemed, was larger and more stable than the brief foray in Dirracha.

But Argrave and Orion could not waste time focusing on that. They found Anneliese and the rest soon enough in a low-lying grove, precisely as had been conveyed to Elenore.

Alright. I found them, sis. Thanks, Argrave communicated back home.

Be safe. I dont ever want to feel you go dark like that again, Elenore told him, moments before their communication ended.

The Alchemist had long ago spotted Argraves return, and told the others. They waited on him as they passed into the place.

Anneliese still held Sophia, precisely as Argrave had asked her to do. Anneliese got the young girls attention, and when her red eyes fell upon Argrave, they widened in disbelief. What did I tell you? Anneliese said to the princess.

The Alchemist held out his hand as Argrave walked up. My lens.

Argrave had intended to say something to Sophia, but he begrudgingly pulled it free from beneath his eye and flicked it like a coin. The glass faded into the Alchemists flesh, and Argraves eyes flickered between him and Sophia. He had hoped the item in Sandelabara related to Gerechtigkeit might be well, an item, and not a person. Having Sophia here would be a burden, regardless of his feelings on the matter. He put his hand on her head while she stared at him in total shock.

Told you Id be back, Sophia. These are the friends I told you about. Were here to get you to safetyand that means we cant talk much right now. Is that alright?

Sophia nodded, and Anneliese gently set her down. The princess walked up to his leg at once, touching him to be sure he was real before standing behind him, sheltered from all the others. It was awkward at first, but Argrave adjusted. She didnt seem to want to say anything at all.

After a time, Anneliese whispered, I dont think she processes things like a normal girl does. She doesnt fear for herself. She was more scared for youand she trusts only you.

Argrave heard and absorbed her words, but more pressing matters deserved his attention. I certainly hope weve come up with something while I was busy risking my life. Melanie, your portals, maybe?

The Alchemist answered in all their stead. The golems Darioor more accurately, the being working through Dariosent are capable of neutralizing all supernatural energies, be it magic or divine blessing. I detected the same energy coming from the ones protecting Good King Norman. Did you find a way to bypass their nullification?

No, Argrave shook his head. But it looks like they were attached to a specific host. Those people we got rid ofwhen they bit the dust, they started to disappear on their own. I was able to he looked down at Sophia, not wishing to admit hed killed her father. He said instead, Norman wont trouble us ever again.

So, whatever empowers the golems is likely anchored similarly to Dario. Thats a lead, at the very least. The tower master Castro looked to be deep in thought.

But an easy way out seems off the table. Argrave looked at his party. Onychinusa, Castro, Anneliese, himself, and the Alchemistthese golems were perfect counters to their magic. And from what Durran said of his fight against the creature, they werent exactly easy pickings physically, either. They were hardy enough to walk through liquified rock. That took tremendous power and durability.

Im sure youve seen the Shadowlander problem. Argrave turned, and Sophia clung to his leg anxiously. As much as I love playing my enemies against each other, I suspect the Shadowlanders will come without an end. Thousands of creatures the likes of which could have levelled Dirracha will spread out across this land, until Traugott finally sees the opportunity hes been looking for. He put his hand on Sophias head, almost to assure himself that she was still here. The longer we wait, the worse the problem will get. So, Im not sure we can afford to do something like that.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

The Shadowlanders are not Traugotts puppets. Hes merely letting loose wild animals to take advantage of the chaos. Only Traugott himself that will come for us. That gives us some leeway in dealing with them. Annelieses reminder was neutral, but did brighten some faces.

Why dont we get the gods to come down here, get their hands dirty? Melanie asked. Better than dying.

If they know about this place, they might learn about Sophia. She looked up at him when her name was called. I cant predict what theyll try and do with her. Nowe cant involve them.

Anneliese stepped away to the top of the hill shielding the grove, watching the distant golems. The thread connecting these golems it is quite thin. Stretched. She turned back to them. I suspect its a matter of distance. This is only my conjecture, but I dont believe magic and divine nullification will be as absolute as it was in your initial encounters with Dario. And the reason why the golems are lingering near the entrance isnt because they want to catch us as we leave. Nothey likely cant advance further without breaking their connection.

I fail to see how we might take advantage of that, Your Highness, Orion said politely. The golems will stand watch, but the Shadowlanders will flush us out, like water slowly filling a cellar were trapped inside.

Anneliese paused at that, lowering her head in deeper contemplation. Castro, however, raised a finger.

Argraveyouve learned this land intimately. Is there any way one could approach either the Shadowlanders or the golems quickly and covertly?

Argrave didnt need to think for very long. Sure. Theres a huge network of tunnels underneath most of the city for the kingsmen and the king himself to show up throughout town. But given how dangerous the Shadowlanders aregiven they might cause the whole thing to collapse at any timeI wouldnt recommend it.

Castro closed his eyes and contemplated something deeply. Argrave watched him with bright eyes, hoping that there was something that the wise old man would think of in this dark hour. After a time, a smile fell across Castros face and he opened his eyes with a laughing sigh.

I will punch a hole through the Shadowlanders and the golems both. And through that hole, you all shall leave.

No, you wont, Argrave shot down his idea at once.

Time wastes as we Castro continued, but Argrave interrupted him again.

No, you wont, because I know exactly what youre thinking. Youll use your A-rank ascension, and youll tear through them all like a knife through butter. But I wont let you, because I know how that ends. And it ends pretty badly for you.

I have a robust succession plan, Argrave, Castro assured him. My position in the Order has basically already been delegated to those who will take my place. And I assure you, they are as steadfastly loyal to you as I am.

Ive never had to do what youre talking about before. I dont want to start now, Argrave shook his head.

Maybe I want it, Castro mused. I am many things, but famous? I think not. Over three hundred years of living, and I can still walk through the streets of any city without so much as a widened eye in recognition. Make sure the historians write about me, maybe hire a minstrel or two and this old man can breathe his last.

Argrave looked at him with a terrible feeling swirling in his chest. He couldnt conjure words, and that only made the feeling worse.

If you want to save all, I could consume this city, the Alchemist said, looking about. They are people lost in time, and already being massacred by the Shadowlanders. I could once again call upon potentiation. Those from the Shadowlands will fuel my endless appetite. I will chase them into their own realm. And then, when all our enemies are subsumed into my flesh he pointed at the black stone hanging around Argraves neck. You put the Smiling Raven inside there.

Argrave looked between them. What is with you two?

I dare not test my unevolved might against those golems while the Shadowlanders swarm down without end. Furthermore, I know you dislike the idea of me having some say in Sophias fate. The Alchemist looked at Argrave squarely. Darios words stuck with you. And they stuck with me, too. I am not ignorant I am inhuman. Whatever she represents, perhaps I deserve no say in the fate of the world. Becoming the Smiling Raven would allay your fears more permanently. And you gain a weapon to use however you will.

Argrave looked around at everyone. He already saw in their faces something of what he felt in his hearta lack of other choices.

Whatever plan you decide on, decide upon it quickly, Onychinusa reminded Argrave. Elsewise, Ill just go home without you. More of those disgusting Shadowlanders are coming from their portals. Soon, this whole city will be lost to them.

Im, uhh of a like mind, Melanie admitted quietly, though with a degree more empathy than the ancient elf. So, Argrave?

Ask an old man to die, or ask an older man to turn into an abomination that destroyed a continent millennia ago. If the Alchemist became the Smiling Raven, they would lose his tremendous capability of research, his vast trove of knowledge, and all things related to the direction of researching Gerechtigkeit. Castro, meanwhile, would undoubtedly pass on if he did as he proposed. His A-rank ascension all but guaranteed such a fate.

Argrave looked down at Sophiainnocent, confused, and hiding behind his leg for protection. Though he knew the answer, he hesitated to speak it. He found his resolve in her trembling figure. Argrave lifted his head up, took a deep breath, and prepared to damn an ally with his next utterance.