Chapter 1085: First Test I
The fleet of attacking arks was still thousands of miles away, leaving Leon’s forces with ample time to assemble. Despite that glut of time, Artorion was a hive of activity as everyone rushed to get ready. The Wailing Dirge had been a problem, but this was going to be their first real test of whether or not they were strong enough to survive in the Nexus.
To combat this threat, Leon hurriedly met with his advisors and strongest mages in his meeting room in his portable villa. The atmosphere was tense, the gravity of the situation not lost on anyone. Leon’s family was present, as were his friends and former retainers. Anastasios and Eva would participate in the fighting, though Clear Day would remain in Artorion—by his own admission, the tau wasn’t much of a fighter despite his power. Leon also had his high officers and elders present to offer their wisdom. All of the ark captains were present in some form, though mostly as projections on comm slates. Leon paid special attention to Seeker-of-Mountain-Springs, the captain of the frigate being pursued by the mysterious fleet.
“Bring us up to speed, Springs,” the Jaguar ordered once the room had been packed with people.
“We were keeping an eye on the portal leading out of the Nexus,” Springs began, the Hawk’s voice clear and calm despite his ark pulling some impressive evasive maneuvers to avoid being hit by any of the magic from the pursuing arks. “Our enemies appeared without warning and turned immediately toward Artorion. They have not responded to any attempts at communication.”
“Are they coming to us, or are they only pursuing your ark?” Runs-Through-Grassy-Fields, the Hawk elder leading his Tribe during this phase of the expedition, wondered aloud.
“We were nearly a thousand miles away from the portal,” Springs reported. “The enemy arks turned toward Artorion before we were engaged.”
“Have they offered any kind of explanation for their actions?” Marcus asked.
“None, Sir Exarch,” Springs answered.
“Have there been any casualties amongst your crew?” Fields asked.