our private channel. “I hope I find you well.”
“Against reason, I am well,” she said. “The Goddesses saw fit to use the human’s technology to warn and cure me of the illness. I can feel it working within my blood.”
“This pleases me,” I said with warmth. “However, I’m calling you with yet another warning. The humans have reason to believe their mother ship hunts them, even now.”
“I thought they had traveled outside the range of their people’s tracking ability,” she said.
“As did they at first,” I said. “After much discussion and disparate details brought to light, they think there is a high likelihood that the faction known as IGMC approaches the Shegoshel star system. My brothers and I desire our people will be warned and able to prepare. Mayhap you can find traces of their ship on long range scanners? At the least, you and the Ikma must needs mobilize the military arm of Ikshe.”
“This is dire news,” she said. “The Ikma wastes in her bed chamber. Though I am feeling improved, it may take several day cycles for the antidote to reach effectiveness. An invasion could cripple us at our weakest—and the meat stores have yet to be replenished.”
“I am sorry to be the messenger of these fey tidings,” I said. “We hasten to Ikshe to offer our support. It would be a mercy if the Ikma commenced her walk in the Fields of Shegoshel, but you are right. The Theraxl will need to see united Sister-Queens in a time of war. Nevertheless, I trust the Holy Goddesses of Shegoshel will guide your hand.”
“Thank you for the warning and that blessing, Naraxthel,” she said. “I will try to fill the role that is the Ikma Scabmal Kama’s by right.”
“These many moons have you been a support and a force for good, Younger Sister,” I said, tenderness in my voice. “I doubt not but the Holy Goddesses attend you in all things.”
“May the Light of Shegoshel shine upon you,” she said.
“And may the death of your enemies bring peaceful slumber,” I said. I had never wished for that benediction to be truer than in this moment.