“Have you received any word from Ewashia?” Xenithrax’s voice shakes the floor of the jungle. With her shifting golden armor and massive purple wings fanned out, the dragon is an imposing presence, one that demands respect. Marachott sighs, unperturbed.

“I have,” Marachott says. “Her expedition was forced to leave the Athenaeum before their research was complete. Her attempt to devise a cure using what they gathered there was unsuccessful. She says she is exploring other options.”

“Time is running out,” says Xenithrax. “We are lucky that Ewashia was vigilant, and that Aquilla did not drink of the poisoned spring. But if she wishes to retain her powers as a Valkyrie, she must drink from a Wellspring soon.”

“You need not be anxious, Great Warden,” says Marachott, smiling gently, and she applies the lightest touch of her Arboreas-granted power to soothe, to sway, to convince. “If Ewashia’s cure fails, I have contingencies. I do not take being Aquilla’s advisor lightly, and the seasons I spent as City Speaker in Curupiran have taught me well how to handle such… inconveniences.”

“Inconveniences,” murmurs the dragon, ruby eyes half closed. A relaxation of her feathers indicates Marachott’s whisper is working. But then Xenithrax shakes her head, and continues: “There is another matter. I have seen you speaking with Aquilla’s generals, giving orders as if you were the Valkyrie herself. You are the holder of a high honor, Marachott. Be careful that you use your power appropriately.”

“I assure you, Warden, my allegiance to Aquilla’s cause runs as deep as my allegiance to Arboreas. She commands not only my loyalty but my spirit. All that I do, I do to further her reach.”

Satisfied—for now—the great dragon turns and departs through the trees, three tails swinging behind her. Marachott frowns. Once she would have balked at manipulating the minds of her allies, but lately she finds herself leaning on her abilities more and more to get things done. The lives of every poisoned Valkyrie are at stake, and she must be willing to do whatever it takes to save Aquilla and Arboreas alike.

Marachott, the Mind Whisper is available in the Heroes of Arboreas Army Expansion!