The runner ran away from the front lines of the combat. When he was far enough away, he transported to a holding station where armed sentries stood ready with electrods, waiting to simultaneously impale and electrocute any unwanted hangers on from the first jump. The sentries searched the runner and his weapons were taken away. Then he transported to headquarters.
Queen Vlaakith heard and smelled the sound and burnt ozone of the runner arriving. She turned to him imperiously and awaited his report. The runner bowed deeply and then rose and began to speak.
“The first phase has gone as poorly as expected, my Queen,” he reports. “The rogue was able to set up six portals, but Alandra’s vassals have already dispelled or dismantled them all.” He grimaces telling her this, but she seems unfazed.
“None of the vassals are dead, my Queen,” he frowns, “although the rogue did unzip the monk…,” he says, making a long slashing motion from lower belly to jaw, “but the monk survived because the cleric was so close…” Still no reaction from Queen Vlaakith.
A long silence hangs in the air.
Eventually, the runner clears his throat and says, “There’s more.”
The Queen’s gaze penetrates him angrily so he gets to the point quickly. “The vassals now have four of the lanterns. Somehow they acquired a fourth during the combat…”
Queen Vlaakith grunts but says nothing.
“They used the lanterns to flip the rogue back to their side,” he finishes, half expecting to be smited for bearing bad news.
Instead, another long silence hangs in the air. Eventually, after long, silent consideration, Queen Vlaakith speaks.
“Ready phase two,” she commands. The runner nods and awaits further command.
“Kill the cleric first. Then the monk. I want them off the board,” she declares.
“Yes, my Queen,” the runner responds.
“Then undo Morgan’s mistake once and for all,” she seethes.
“Yes, my Queen,” the runner responds.
“I want the warlock in my pen. Send in Aqualine to get him there.”
“Yes, my Queen,” the runner responds. “Although… Cambion is already in theater.”
“Cambion? Why? What is she doing there?” Queen Vlaakith demands.
The runner shies at first, but then comes clean. “The rogue has some sort of vendetta with the warlock. He sold the warlock to her during Combustion. Cambion thinks she owns him now and has gone to claim her prize.”
Queen Vlaakith smiles for the first time in ages, amused by this sudden subplot. “Let Cambion have her fun then. Hold on Aqualine.”
“Yes, my Queen,” the runner responds.
Queen Vlaakith shifts about and thinks long before continuing.
“We need to capture just one of those lanterns to foil this plot. Kill the monk. Kill the dwarf. Take the other two lanterns away.”
“Yes, my Queen,” the runner responds.
“Send in the fire giants and the elementals. Continue the aerial attacks. I want that whole place incinerated. They’ll feel the heat now.”
“Yes, my Queen,” the runner responds, smiling wickedly.