Knowledge (Kaeli POV)

Victoria slams her hands down on the table. “What do you mean, you ‘lost him’?! How do you lose a demigod?”

Niran shrugs inside his robes. “Something broke your control. Once that happened I could no longer monitor his movements. Essentially, he’s free.”

Kaeli hides her small smirk. Her device worked perfectly, then. And it seems it went undetected, somehow. She turns towards Victoria.

“I told you letting him out was a bad idea.”

Victoria glares at Kaeli. “One more word and I’ll kill you right here. I told you, you’ve lost the right to have an opinion here.”

The silver haired woman whirls to face Niran. “Tell me what you know.”

The cowled mage sighs. “I know the location of their hideout. But they’ve been joined by an elder earth spirit.”

Victoria shakes her head. “It doesn’t matter. We can deal with that.”

Niran pauses. “She spoke in the gods tongue.”

Victoria shrugs. “It doesn’t matter. The golem is the biggest threat.”

She looks at Kaeli. “And we have a way to neutralize her. Don’t we?”

Kaeli sighs. “We do.”

Years ago, the Order had faced a rebellious artificer, skilled in creating magical automatons. Kaeli had created a device that held such creatures immobile, rendering them helpless. She never thought she would regret that creation. Until today.

Victoria nods. “And what of the Hunter? What can we do to reclaim him?”

Niran shakes his head. “I don’t know that we can. Even before we lost him, it was a struggle to keep him on target. The Great One is tearing at his mind. Something about purity, and the Key. Before you ask, no, I don’t know what that means.”

Victoria sighs. “Fine. I suppose I’ll have a discussion with our illustrious leader. Remind him of what’s at stake. Niran, gather whatever forces you need, and handle these rebels. Kaeli, give Niran the device. If you tamper with it, I will deal with you.”

Niran bows. “Very well. Do you want any prisoners?”

Victoria thinks for a moment before answering.