The Heavenly Host

“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.

∼

^{DOF +9}

^{Late Fourth Period 16-06-440}

“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.