Elenore spoke in Argraves mind, yet Galamon spoke aloud at the same time.

Elenore conveyed, Anneliese suggests you tell him. Then, you can trap Traugott when he comes for the Undying Soul in question.

Galamon said to Traugott, We have no need for your tricks. The Veidimen are more than a match for this Palace of Heaven. We have no fear of death.

Argrave reeled from the two voices with opposite suggestions, but stared at the shell of Norman bound by druidic magic without saying a word.

Traugott rebutted, Many have tried to take the Palace of Heaven before. Hordes of divine servants, without free will enough to fear death, have fallenand you think allegedly fearless mortals stand a better chance? Fortunately for me, Im not offering this to you. You may be a rather unique specimen, Galamon, having abandoned vampirism but you lack the certain insight that makes Argrave such an interesting conversational partner.

Galamon looked ready to lash out, but the Alchemist placed one of his huge hands on the snow elfs shoulder.

Why in the world do you want an Undying Soul? Argrave asked.

There are few things more interesting in the natural world. Souls that can persist foreverthat can move from body to body, or become eternal ghosts with power beyond imagination it would have tremendous uses for me. Youve seen what Ive been working on, I trust? It would be quite interesting to create the perfect specimen.

Argrave hesitated to bring up his own use of his Undying Soul. The Alchemist conjectured it was a large part of the reason that he was able to come here, to this realmto the world of Heroes of Berendar. And furthermore, it was the crux of their plan with Sophia. Theoretically, only with his Undying Soul and her ability of creation could they transfer his physical form to where Gerechtigkeits true essence rested.

The idea of giving something that had such a capability to Traugott was frightening, especially when he toyed with a fragment of Sophias power.

Elenores voice cut into his thoughts. Refusing to tell him doesnt mean that he wont learn. Hes said that he chose to come to you before Erlebnis, meaning his next conversation would likely be with Erlebnis, who would give him a target that we couldnt possibly know. Who knowsperhaps Erlebnis has an Undying Soul of his own, tucked away in storage. Either way, if we dont tell him its pointless.

What if hes just bluffing? Hes using a druidic bond, not his actual bodyAnnelieses empathy wont work. He could get the keys to the kingdom if were incautious.

Which would you prefer to bet onthat Traugott managed to infiltrate the opera house without Erlebnis help, or that hes bluffing? He may be clever, but he lacks the connections in the Great Chu to pull something like that off alone.

Elenores cold reason cut away Argraves doubt. He conveyed to her, Inform Galamon why. Hes a little uneasy with this.

Alright. Argrave nodded, shifting on his feet. I can give you a location.

Oooh, Traugott said excitedly. That greatly eliminates complications. Tell me, then. Im all ears.

How can I trust you wont just leave once I do? Argrave narrowed his eyes.

Because its in my best interest for you to assault the Palace of Heaven. I made some agreements with Erlebnis. I generally like to keep agreements I make, unless they inconvenience melike the ones I made with him. Im supposed to get him some things, perform some actions. But if hes dead, he wont have hands to receive, nor thoughts enough to comprehend my actions. That would be ideal for me. Even beyond that, I dont intend on seeking out this Undying Soul until youre in the middle of assaulting the fortress.

Why would you? Annelieses brows furrowed in contemplation, then relaxed as an uneasy revelation came to her. No. I understand.

Yes, you should. Im not nave, Traugott continued in a low tone. I see the people you brought todayboth the ones within my little workshop, and those without it. I understand what you intended for me. It stands to reason youre going to try and kill me when I come for this soul. Very dastardly not that I wouldnt do the same in your shoes. Traugott shook his head. I wont seek out the Undying Soul until youre in the middle of assaulting the Palace of Heaven. You cant afford to stretch your forces thin. Theyd be too thin to catch me, and too thin to take the fortress. So the calculus of power demands you choose to let me slip by.

You can see our people? So, youre nearby, Argrave deduced.

Hmm. Traugott smiled broadly. I cant say.

Argrave considered Traugotts implication. It was true that theyd need to bring all of their forces to bear to take the Palace of Heaven. But for Traugott ostensibly, Anneliese alone would be sufficient. Yet the notion of allowing Traugott and Anneliese to clash while they assaulted the Palace of Heaven was frightening. Not only was Anneliese vital for Argraves main forces, Traugott was willing and able to mastermind all kinds of devious traps. He trusted Annelieses ability, but sending her alone was simply intolerable to him, logically and emotionally.

Let me think, Argrave held up his hand.

As you wish. Traugott folded his hands politely.

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Hes uncomfortably clever, he told Elenore, then explained Traugotts gambit to her. When he was finished, he concluded, I dont see a way to get ahead of him. Hes right. We cant afford to chase after him while were assaulting the Palace of Heaven. Anneliese is our trump card against him, and shes necessary here. Vital.

hes thought of all angles, Elenore agreed after a while. It still holds true that hell find out one way or another. Maybe she went silent for nearly a minute, then returned with a quiet voice. Maybe we can call upon some reserve troops. A veteran, whos been similarly clever.

Who? Argrave questioned.

When she said the name, Argraves eyes lit up. Furthermore, various names of Undying Souls that he might offer to Traugott faded away, leaving him with only one offering. He turned around to look at Normans shell.

Alright. Ill give you what you want, you give me what I want, he promised.

Traugott looked around until he spotted some paper, then picked it up. He grabbed a charcoal bar and began to write. Ill write it down for you, he said, pausing to explain further. A small portion of it. Then, after Ill give you the whole paper. He continued to write, and Argrave waited with his arms crossed. After a time, Traugott ripped the paper in half, then handed it to Argrave.

Argrave looked between him and the paperthe man had already given them everything they needed by writing it down. If they just took it from him, now but Elenores words rung true. Traugott was likely going to learn one way or another. He was resourceful, if anything.

Its in the Burnt Desert, Argrave explained. You can find a grand palace deep in the earth below Carlandianits a coastal city on the eastern desert. You have to go into the towns drained oasis to reach it. Though since Durrans killed the Vessels of Fellhorn in the region, perhaps that oasis isnt drained anymore. In which case, youll have to swim down.

Is it a lich? Traugott asked, tilting his head. It must be, if it resides in such a placean underground palace.

Yes. Its his lair, his home. He used to be a southron elf, back when they were a meaningful force. Now well, once you become a lich, you lose those distinctions. With Gerechtigkeit coming, hes on the verge of insanity. The place is trapped, and crumbling. Argrave held out his hand. Now your end of the bargain?

Of course. Traugott smiled in Normans shell, then held out the paper. Argrave at once opened it to make sure that it wasnt nonsense. Surprisingly, it wasnt. Traugott had been honest. Theyd need to verify his point of vulnerability to be sure he was entirely so.

What now? Argrave said.

Now I eagerly look forward to your attempt to take the Palace of Heaven. Traugott offered Normans hand, as if to shake on the deal. Argrave stared at it contemptuously. Traugott retracted the hand. Very well. Farewell, Argrave. And good luck.

Normans shell closed its eyes and the animal soul within it awoke, barking and backing away from them. Galamon lashed out, crushing the abominations neck. It crumpled to the ground, joining the dozens of other corpses.

Is he gone? Argrave looked at the Alchemist and Anneliese both. For sure, this time.

Gone. The Alchemist nodded. Anneliese agreed. I was unable to trace him.

Was that wise, agreeing? Galamon questioned.

Not sure there was a wise answer. Then again, thats what someone without wisdom would say. Argrave looked around. Lets lets take care of this place. Then, we take care of this new problem. Theres someone we have to speak to. Galamoncan you look into this, decide if its worth the risk?

Of course. Galamon took the paper. Ill scrutinize it better than anyone.

#####

Argrave looked at a long, long row of ballistae. Then, he turned his head to the right. There, the black-haired, red-eyed Dario sat, looking up at Argrave almost as if he were a pest. Even still, this man whod sabotaged their progress with the Heralds to such a degree remained unhealed, bound to crutches and afflicted with wobbly limbs.

I dont think well ever be able to use all of these, even. Youre making them faster than we can make the batteries for them. Argrave scratched his cheek, some embarrassment at this fact.

Batteries? Dario narrowed his eyes.

The cores, Argrave rephrased. I do appreciate your good work. But Im here about something else.

What?

Traugott, Argrave said.

Dario scoffed. Him?

Hes discovered how to imitate Sophias ability. Argrave laid out the facts plainly, hoping it might ignite Darios vigilantism.

No doubt thanks to you, largely, Dario rebutted but Argrave didnt miss a twitch of unease in the mans face.

Id like you to try and kill him when he tries to infiltrate somewhere, Argrave continued.

Dario shook his head. Would love to. My body is jelly, though. Even if I could get my metal frame working again without the Heralds power, I cant even run without breaking something.

What if Sophia could change that? Argrave kneeled down. Shes gotten rather adroit at healing people. Severed limbs, broken minds your bendy appendages arent such a big step up. Even more than that, what if you had a huge area to prepare for his coming? A palace, with plenty of nooks and crannies and a scary lich at the center of it all, whos trapped the place to hell and back.

Dario stared at Argrave, then shook his head. You dont trust me enough for that. And I dont want to be bound by the White Planes, or any other entity.

Dont I trust you? Argrave met his gaze. You said it yourself. If Traugott could decide the fate of the world, thats the scariest proposition. And you could end him, forever. Even without the Heralds washing your brain, you still have to believe that.

Darios lip twitched. Even if I could walk

Argrave nodded. You will.

Traugott wont be easy, alone. Dario scratched his forehead. The one that caught me

Melanie? Argrave raised his brows.

She helps it could be doable. Dario nodded.

Argrave tapped his shoulder gently. Then lets do it.

Now? Dario looked at Argrave as he rose.

Yeah, of course, Argrave nodded as if it was obvious, making for the door. Ive got a schedule.