Reassignment

Nahash blinked. You summoned me here to kill livestock?

More like wild animals, whispered Aurelius.

The two sat coiled in Aurelius’s deserted throne room. Braziers burned for light and warmth. Aurelius sat coiled on the dais behind the throne, his wings wrapped around him. Nahash sat at the foot of the steps, his wings open at his sides.

So far, said Aurelius, Our forces have been attacked by ravens, wolves, wasps, hornets, ants, butterflies, and a big black jaguar. Only one soldier has reported seeing anything else: he was approached by a witchy woman who told him that the forest was alive and would defend herself. That is the woman I want you to kill. I think she’s the source of all our trouble.

Is she a sorceress? asked Nahash.

There’s no telling, said Aurelius. The troops' wounds were apparently real enough.

Sorcery can do that, said Nahash.

To an extent, said Aurelius, but there’s usually at least one or two men, even among common soldiers, with the wit or will to see through it. Not one of them escaped without at least minor wounds. And something in those woods killed one of ours.

Anyone I know?

No, said Aurelius, It was a nameless kid looking for a chance to prove his mettle. He failed.

This mysterious woman, said Nahash. Could it be one of our kind, masquerading as a human woman for entertainment?

No way of knowing, said Aurelius.

Nahash thought for a moment. Sir. It’s the timber you want, right? The woman is secondary.

Yes, said Aurelius, I want that timber for my navy. But I doubt you’ll get it without destroying the adversary, whatever it is.

And if it really is some ancient forest spirit? asked Nahash.

Please, said Aurelius, with a look of disdain, you are far too old and hardened for fairy tales.

Nahash lowered his head and spread his wings backward in a draconic bow. Aurelius nodded. Nahash turned and left.