Orion kept silent, listening intently. Rendall and the others also listened with rapt attention.
News from the south mattered a great deal to everyone gathered here. That was because, as Orion had revealed, next year they intended to push south and launch the Myriad Races Invasion—targeting territory occupied by insectfolk.
"Our scouts have sent word that the forces from Thunderwood Forest attempting a southern invasion have been completely routed. We don't know the exact scale of their losses—just that they were huge.
In other words, Gareth lost. Rumor has it Gareth was badly injured. No idea if that's true."
That was undoubtedly bad news: if Gareth had truly been defeated, it meant the insectfolk were more formidable than anyone expected. The council hall fell silent; nobody dared speak. Even Orion narrowed his eyes, deep in thought.
