Changeling Chapter of Firefly launches tomorrow + teaser · 2:35pm Aug 31st, 2020
Courtesy of changeling aficionado Denim_Blue. A quick teaser follows, told from the perspective of Captain Rachnia, commander of Queen Lepidoptes' Royal Guard as matters become quickly dire in their hidden hive beneath the streets of Mosclaw:
I paced behind the stone barrier that reached up just past my barrel, my eyes flitting periodically to the tunnel entrance beyond me. The chatter between my officers filled my right ear, nestled snugly beneath my iron kabuto, or helmet as the Equestrian tongue translates. Were I to describe it, I would say that it shares many similarities to the armor of Neighpon. This is a common trait with much of the Lepidoptes’ hives culture; whilst we branched off from a much larger hive generations prior, the greater hive we were part of had origins in the Neighponese archipelago.
“Captain Rachnia, the gryphons are invading our Hive. Code: Break is now in effect. Proceed with lockdown of all non-essential tunnels immediately and hold off our adversaries until civilian evacuation completed.”
“Of course, My Queen,” I replied into the communication gem. I ran through the mental map in my mind of the route that my two patrolling squads were following, then continued. “Tenth and Eleventh Squads, regroup and proceed to phase two stations immediately. Prepare for close quarters engagement!” I felt a second ripple of magic run through the walls of the Hive and continued. “First Squad, advance to Sixth’s last position and assist as needed. All other squads, stand by.”
Borer, who stood a short distance behind me with a glowing gem to provide her with light to look over her own map layout, spoke up afterwards. “Silencer groups Sigma and Kage, provide battle support to Squads Fifth, Sixth, Tenth, and Eleventh. Groups Delta, Nova, Phi, and Rai, engage with phase one to flank the enemy forces. Priority targets are Magus and higher-ranked combatants.”
I turned to face Borer and sighed, “I don’t suppose any intel has been gathered on what we’re dealing with? Clearly Magus Knights at the very least.”
“Worse.” Borer frowned. “Judging by what we already know and the last reports from Pedipalp and Whisper, we’re facing Ravens. They’re well-trained in breach tactics and ‘tis certain they have at least a general idea of our capabilities and how to counter them. For the Owls would never send in their prized pets in such force without some degree of confidence… wait, hold on.”
She held a hoof to her left ear and paused to listen. Her expression turned grim as she whispered into the gem, “Are you certain?” Another pause, and she grimaced. “Chiton rot!” She swore, shuffling through her papers.
“What?” I asked the young commander, who I’d rarely heard utter such a severe oath.
“‘Twould seem the Ravens have just become the least of our issues. One confirmed Talaeus was spotted approaching… and possibly two.”
“Talaeus?” I repeated, letting out a laugh despite the situation. “How flattering; ‘twould seem they’re taking us seriously!”
But Borer did not share my enthusiasm, shaking her head. “Silencers haven’t confirmed their identity, but the first is an earth gryphon wielding a single sword much larger than their standard issue scimitar and a buckler, and wearing an odd set of flight goggles--which is strange given an invasion of our hive would be a ground fight. The other possible Talaeus is what has me especially worried, though.”
“How so?”
Borer looked up from her papers and met my gaze, no humor in her expression or tone. “She carried both a sword and a Magus staff on her back...”
Chapter will launch tomorrow morning. Happy third-year anniversary of the story, folks, now thirty chapters long and still going strong.
