The bomb was large enough to require a transport of its own.
The transport was shaped like a metal crab, with multiple limbs for scooping and maneuvering heavy loads. It hovered directly over the center of the icebound lake and released its solitary load.
The bomb descended silently through the air, pierced the lake’s icy surface, and disappeared with a soft splash.
For a long moment, the only sound was the gasping snarls from the captured beasts.
Then the bomb ignited.
The platforms and monsters were all shielded from the blast. Even so, the force was powerful enough to shake their vision. When the mist and roar and smoke subsided, the lake was just . . .
Gone.
For the first time since their assault began, the monsters were completely, utterly . . .
The valley was blasted clean of snow, grass, trees, shrubs, water. The former lake was nothing more than a deep pit in the earth.
Brodwyn turned to Logan and said, “Would you be so good as to translate?”
“It would be an honor, General.”
She said into her comm link, “Full amplification.” Then she handed it over and began, “We were not the ones to attack your stronghold. We seek only peace between our races—” She stopped because Logan shook his head. “Yes?”
“General, the dragon speech has no word for ‘peace.’”
“Is that so?”
“My father took great pride in the fact.”
“As I fear did too many others of our forebears. Very well. Tell them, ‘We seek an end to war.’” She waited as he translated, then continued, “If you ever attack us again, we will annihilate your entire race. But so long as you do not attack, then the inland sea will remain your abode. What is more, we will do our utmost to keep you safe. We would ask for an alliance between our races. There is no doubt much we could learn from you. But that is for you to decide. If you wish to communicate with us, you should make contact with our . . .” She turned to Logan. “Do they have a word for the ghost-walkers who hunt?”
“Aye, ma’am.”
When he was done, she went on, “You may continue to search the hidden space beyond your realm. But so shall we. This point is not negotiable. And know this. Any attack, any assault on one of our ghost-walkers, and your entire race will be no more. This is the only warning you will ever receive.” She gave that a moment, then finished, “Break this code at your peril.”
When Logan had finished translating, she retrieved the comm link and said, “Return these fiends to their waters.”