12/28/2023 0 Comments Tyranny vellum citadelThe army stretched beyond the horizon – tens of thousands strong, flowing through the treacherous hills that separated the Northern Empire from the Tiers. She reminded him of the daughter who left home in anger so many years ago, though he would never tell her that. In spite of himself, Prantum Servio shared her company without fear. She beckoned him to stand closer, and they watched the procession together. If circumstances were different, I’d have you conscripted to the front lines. “Just don’t let the Archon hear you call him ‘unconventional.’ He doesn’t take criticism well.” Some of the tension dispersed as she uncrossed her arms and rested her hands on her hips. She regarded him a second more before speaking up, this time with a smile in her voice. News of your methods, your growing numbers, and your… unconventional leader.” His words quavered with unease. “Whispers of the Scarlet Chorus reach us daily. “I already know what the Archon is capable of,” he said. Then, across the gulf of uncomfortable silence, he intuited her meaning. “I’ve been instructed to convey a message: prepare for total commitment. You needn’t worry about that.” She glanced over her shoulder at the assembled recruits, then returned her attention to him. I have a proposal for your master, if he’ll hear me.” “Prantum Servio,” he announced, clearing his throat. “Old man,” she called, clipped and professional, “you the one who sent us the missive?” Servio recognized her garb as the raiment of an elite fighter – not the leader of this ragged group by far, but a gang boss or taskmaster of stature. A tall woman in a featureless, bronze mask separated from the gang to approach him. They varied in age from ten to fifty, and had armed themselves with a fierce medley of weapons – tent stakes, boat hooks, clubs bristling with sewing needles, and many twisted harpoons. At least they were an approximation of soldiers. As the creaking of wagon wheels grew in volume, he silently hoped that these were the killers he sought.Ī regiment of soldiers drew up to him. Servio rose to his feet when he spotted figures cresting the hill. Now that you’re properly calibrated for uncomfortable meetings, enjoy The Archon’s Voice! The only difference is that you might not make it out of that interview alive. Your body language will tell me everything I need to know about you.”Ī one-on-one meeting with the Voices of Nerat would unfold in a similar fashion. I once had an interview for a writing job (in the back room of a Coffee Bean) where my prospective boss declared: “Here’s how this is going to work: I’m going to tell you about how I do my business, and you’re going to sit there and listen. Mad as it may seem, I drew from personal experience. He’s a slippery figure who can’t be easily defined, and any number of stories could be written about him. I had a difficult time figuring out what angle to take with the Voices. This story introduces the Voices of Nerat, the enigmatic leader of the Scarlet Chorus and one of our game’s powerful Archons. Hello, tyrants! I’m only too pleased to introduce The Archon’s Voice – the third of our short stories highlighting the world of Tyranny (Previously released: Under New Management and Commission).
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