After Gravitas' interruption, the meeting wrapped up quickly. Scouts would be sent to assess enemy movements and see if Polaris could be found in their camp. The unsettling possibilities had shaken many in the room, and no one bothered to accuse them again.
"That was quite risky," Ash said when the two were finally alone.
Gravitas gave him an apologetic look. She was supposed to act as an advisor, but she had clearly overstepped. Her bold move could have easily backfired and might still do so. After all, she had no solid proof that Polaris was a traitor. If it turned out that she had been kidnapped, they would be the ones facing the most suspicion.
"I'm sorry," she said, having no real defense for her actions.
Ash sighed. "What's done is done. And who knows? If you're right, the tribe will be far better prepared for what's coming."
"…And what if I am wrong?" Gravitas asked.
Ash gave her a weak smile. "Then we should prepare for what's coming."
The two walked in silence, quickly eating up the distance to the mine. Vulcanos spotted them from afar, appearing far more alert than earlier. He waved, clearly relieved by their safe return.
"So? What was so important?" he asked as they arrived.
"Let's talk inside," Ash said, motioning over his shoulder. Gravitas glanced behind them but saw nothing. Still, that didn't mean no one was there. Ash's senses were far sharper, and his scouting skills were on a different level. If he suggested they move indoors, it was the right call.
They entered, lowering the portcullis behind them. The newly installed Froststeel grate was their strongest line of defense—nearly impenetrable, even for them. Well, except for Ash, who could slip through the cracks in his Mist form. For most others, though, it was an effective deterrent. Soon, they arrived at the large chamber, taking a seat where they usually had their meals.
"So?" Vulcanos asked again, clearly impatient.
"Lady Polaris disappeared, and nobody knows how it happened," Ash explained.
Vulcanos scoffed. "I bet she left on her own. Always had the stench of a traitor, that one."
Gravitas and Ash exchanged a glance. "That's what I said as well…" Gravitas admitted.
"Said?" Vulcanos repeated, stunned. "You said that during the meeting?"
Gravitas nodded, turning her gaze away. She was thankful for the veil that hid her face, as she could feel her cheeks flush. It wasn't like her to make such a mistake. She must have been more exhausted than she realized.
Vulcanos burst into laughter, his deep voice echoing through the hall. He seemed genuinely amused, like a child hearing a funny joke. His carefree reaction had a calming effect on her as well. That's right—what was there to worry about? They had been the main suspects from the start, and even if she was wrong, nothing would change.
Eventually, Vulcanos calmed down, though a wide smile remained on his face. "I wish I could have seen that!" he said wistfully, giving Gravitas a big thumbs up.
Ash cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation back on track. "Anyway, we need to focus on what to do next." Despite his serious tone, he seemed more relaxed. Vulcanos's carefree manner had a way of spreading to those around him.
Vulcanos frowned. "Do we really have to? Why don't we just ask the scary lady?"
"The scary lady?" Ash repeated.
"Akasha..." Vulcanos said, visibly shivering at the mention of her name.
Gravitas's eyes narrowed. What had that woman done to make Vulcanos react so strongly? It was a reaction she had never seen from him before.
Ash frowned as well. It seemed neither of them had a good impression of her. Much of it likely stemmed from jealousy. The Spirit had taken control of everything: She was their only line of communication with their master, using his powers, and giving out orders. No one welcomed a newcomer who suddenly placed themselves above everyone else. Even so, their Master had ordered them to listen to her while he was gone. That likely meant he trusted her.
"…I think we should wait before informing her," the Wolfkin said after a moment. "The scouts are out. If the enemy is mobilizing, we must adjust our plans again."
Gravitas nodded. Waiting a few more hours wouldn't hurt, and this information was crucial. It might even be important enough to interrupt their Master's seclusion. She didn't like to admit it, but she hadn't felt truly safe since he left. She wanted him back as soon as possible.
"Fine," Vulcanos said. "But what about the time until then?"
Ash shrugged. "Not much we can do right now. It might even be dangerous to go out. I suggest we stay put, keep the gate closed, and have at least one guard posted at all times. What do you guys think?"
Vulcanos and Gravitas exchanged a look before nodding in unison. They never went out much, and they certainly didn't want to start now. They would just continue as usual while being even more vigilant.
"If that's all," Gravitas said, glancing at her companions, "I'm going back to sleep." Hearing no objections, she headed to her room, already anticipating the comfort of her blanket and pillow. But before she could make it halfway, a monotone voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Question: Why is Commander Frost not coming?"
Gravitas sighed. It appeared she had gotten too close to the device, allowing the Spirit to notice her. She hadn't been careless, but it seemed that its area of influence had grown once again. If this trend continued, her entire room would soon be included in its grasp. It was definitely time to move.
"There has been an incident. We will inform you when we have all the details," Gravitas replied mentally. There was a moment of silence.
"Answer: Acceptable."
Gravitas rolled her eyes but quickly turned her attention to her blanket. She neatly placed her robe beside her bed and sank into a well-deserved sleep. This time, she slept longer, though not as long as she had hoped. Soft knocking at her door woke her.
She slowly opened her eyes, feeling relatively rested. "What is it?" she called out.
"Frost is at the gate," Ash replied.
"Alone?"
"Yes," Ash confirmed. "Says he has news."
"Are you going to let him in?"
"Vulcanos is already opening the gate, but I thought you would want to be present for this." Ash said.
Gravitas was already halfway through putting on her clothes. Of course, she wanted to be present. Frost's solitary arrival likely confirmed their suspicions. Given his strained relationship with his sister, being seen alone with them could lead to rumors of his involvement in her disappearance. The fact that he still dared to come alone likely meant that he didn't fear any backlash.
By the time she stepped out of her room, she could hear two pairs of footsteps approaching from the entrance. Moments later, Frost and Vulcanos appeared. Vulcanos looked as jovial as ever, but Frost's face was grim. He seemed to have aged a decade since they last saw him just hours ago.
"Did the scouts discover something?" Ash asked from behind her.
Frost nodded. "I need to talk to him."
The Chimeroi exchanged glances. They didn't want to refuse Frost's request, but they had no means to fulfill it either. No one had been able to reach their Master since his seclusion.
"Notice: That will not be possible at the moment."
The familiar voice echoed in their minds simultaneously. While the others barely reacted, Frost looked around warily, trying to find the source. "Who is there?"
"Answer: I am Akasha, the Familiar bound to the human known as Ezekiel," came the reply.
Frost glanced at Ash for confirmation. When the Wolfkin nodded, Frost turned back to the Spirit. "Why can't I speak with him?" he said out loud.
"Answer: The Host is at a crucial stage. Any interruption could jeopardize the process."
Frost frowned but decided to speak his mind still. "The enemy is mobilizing for a full invasion. It seems possible that even their patriarch will join the attack."
The Spirit remained quiet for a long moment. "Answer: According to my data, the participation of the enemy Progenitor is doubtful unless a major information leak has occurred…" She fell quiet for another beat. "…Has such a leak occurred?"
Frost gritted his teeth but nodded. "Polaris is working with the enemy."
"Notice: Analyzing new data… calculating breach… estimating damage…" After a brief pause, the woman continued. "A full-force invasion is likely, but the enemy Progenitor will probably not participate in the initial attack. The best strategy is to defend as long as possible while spreading the rumor that Winter has recovered."
Frost frowned deeply. "My father's condition hasn't changed."
"Notice: The only thing keeping the most powerful enemy at bay is the fear of the Progenitor's recovery. This is the tribe's only defense against such a formidable foe."
"You want me to lie to my people?" Frost asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
"Answer: Negative. I want you to survive as long as possible."
Frost opened his mouth to respond but then closed it again. Despite her logic, the Spirit lacked any semblance of tact or conscience and was utterly devoid of the charisma of her Host. Even though Frost likely realized that she was correct, he was clearly unwilling to admit it.
"How much time would he need?" he asked instead.
"Answer: After the advancement, Host will be in a weakened state, and I cannot accurately predict how long his recovery will take."
Frost sighed. He had undoubtedly hoped for a less vague answer. Instead, he turned to face Ash. "What about the three of you?"
Ash shook his head. "I would love to help, but we must guard our Master."
Frost's frown deepened. "What good will that do when the enemies breach the gates?"
Ash was about to respond when the Spirit interrupted once more.
"Notice: Commander Frost is right."
All three of them froze.
"What?" Vulcanos asked in disbelief. "You want us to abandon Master?"
"Answer: Negative. I want you to survive as long as possible," the spirit repeated. "You should collapse the mine entrance and cover it up. That would allow you to retreat if the enemy breached the defenses."
"Is that an order?" Gravitas questioned, gnashing her teeth.
"Answer: Negative. According to my data, this is merely the most optimal path to survival for everyone involved."
Gravitas's mouth snapped shut. There was nothing she could argue. Collapsing the entrance would deter the enemy from digging through it in the short term, while their Master could escape effortlessly. However, the critical advantage lay in having a retreat route if the wall was breached. Instead of defending the mine to the death, they could fall back and join the rest of the troops in retreating deeper into the mountain.
Glancing at the others, Gravitas saw they, too, recognized the plan's merits. Still, she was uneasy about leaving Ezekiel entirely alone, with only the Spirit to care for him.
"What about food and water?" she asked.
"Answer: I am fully capable of managing such mundane matters."
Gravitas sighed. Why did the Spirit have to make it so difficult to like it? Despite her frustration, she had more pressing matters to consider. A quick look at the others showed they were equally conflicted. Then Vulcanos let out a deep breath and slumped slightly. "Let's just do what the Spirit says."
"Just like that?" Ash asked.
Vulcanos shrugged. "If they see the mine collapsed, they'll likely think we've abandoned it. Master will probably be safer without us here."
Gravitas regarded Vulcanos with a hint of admiration. Despite his easygoing nature, he was surprisingly insightful at times and, more importantly, the most decisive of the three. Once he made a choice, he never wavered.
Ash and Gravitas exchanged a glance, nodding in agreement.