It had been a while since Marianne Neralt had gone traveling for longer than a few hours, and she had to admit she had not missed it. She wasn’t as young as she used to be. Granted, she was hardly some doddering grandmother, and with her level taken into consideration, she could easily live for three or four more decades, if not longer. That did not mean she enjoyed bumping about the road in a creaky carriage, however.

Marianne let her gaze drift out the window and conceded that at least it was a rather nice carriage, all things considered. She was fairly sure the Hive had ‘requisitioned’ it from territory they had taken in Nerlia without granting the former owners any compensation, but by the design and the discretely placed coat of arms, it might have belonged to a local nobleman. Gods knew she sometimes had the impression the drones would be much happier to take from nobles than commoners even when those would have much less ability to complain.

But trying to understand why the Starlit Hive did something, or did it in a particular way, was often good for a headache.

“Are you alright, Lady Marianne?” Ria called from outside.

“Just fine,” she replied, “thank you, dear.”

At least they were considerate, she mused. Well, perhaps that is giving them too little credit. Ria has been nothing but kind, even before this trip.

Marianne felt an uncomfortable tightening in her stomach, which she’d unfortunately grown acquainted with over recent months, the lingering feeling that she might be judging others harshly when she should not, simply because of what they were. She tried to be open-minded and just, but it had taken her a little while to get used to the strange - and frankly, a little frightening - insectile people who had come to her husband’s village. Even if she had managed not to let it show, or so she hoped. By now, however, she had come to genuinely like and respect many of these people. To her own surprise, Hive Queen Regina topped that list. Although, it was rather apparent the Hive Queen differed from the drones, that she was more ‘civilized’ — even if you did not take the rumors about her provenance into account.

When Regina had asked her to serve as her ambassador for this trip, Marianne had been flattered but also apprehensive. Her Majesty had made it clear that she was not giving an order and Marianne could have refused, although it would most likely not have helped her standing in the young queen’s eyes. But what she had offered had been tantalizing, even if she had been vague and not made any concrete promises.

In truth, Marianne supposed she had to admit to herself that it would not have mattered much. Regardless of the actual details, it was the thought that counted. Specifically, the assurance that she would be trusted with power, with the ability to make changes in the world, to govern, and to prove her skills and set her mind against real challenges.

Power, without having to marry the right man or rely on her son’s goodwill. Status she earned and bore herself.

Elric was a fine baron, but Marianne was fairly sure that she would do better in a position like the one Regina appeared to intend. It felt … satisfying to have it acknowledged, without having to fight for that recognition. And she knew that she would have done quite a lot more than a slightly dangerous diplomatic mission.

She was brought out of her thoughts by Ria knocking on the door again. Without waiting for a response, the carriage started slowing down. Marianne frowned, but held her questions until Ria opened the door to come in.

“Is something the matter?” she asked.

“I’m afraid so,” Ria said apologetically. “The route ahead is blocked by detachments of Cernlian soldiers.”

There must have been more than she was expecting, for the drones to react like this. “Can we not pass them by?” Marianne inquired.

“We could, but it would be risky. I’m starting to suspect they were warned about Esemen movements as well, unless they’re secretly in cahoots and preparing the way or something. There aren’t many other reasons soldiers would be moving away from the main front, even if we’re still a long way from the Esemen border.”

Marianne nodded. The young drone had a point. “Then what will we do?” she asked.

“We’ve decided it would be less risky overall to fly. If you agree, of course.”

She paused. “Fly? You mean, on one of your Winged Drones?”

Ria smiled gently. “They’re perfectly safe, we’d never allow a mount to drop you. And the view from up there is, well, something you’ll have to see to believe.”

Marianne frowned at her, more because of the rather blatant manipulation than because she truly minded. “If you say so,” she sighed.

She had to force herself not to show her hesitation too openly as she approached the Winged Drone Mount Ria called down for her. They had to wait for a short time while the Hive assembled enough drones for everyone. She suspected they had already had them following along discreetly, very high up, and were now calling more reinforcements to take those drones’ place.

The Hive Queen had offered to have her fly for the entire trip from the beginning, saying that it would be much quicker, but Marianne had declined. She’d pointed out that arriving in a carriage, the normal way, would fit the image she wanted to present better. It looked like she would have to make do anyhow.

With some trepidation and help from a patient Ria, Marianne managed to mount the drone. She took a deep breath and squeezed her eyes shut before it started to lift into the air. It was a rather odd feeling to suddenly be moved upwards. The wind tugging at her hair, she opened her eyes and chanced a look down, her breath catching. The drones were ascending rapidly, and seeing the land shrink beneath her truly was a sight she would not soon forget. At least she did not appear to be one of those people who had trouble looking down from high places.

“Are you okay?” Ria called to her. Marianne turned to see her climbing onto another flying mount in mid-air, after she’d used her own wings to ascend while staying close to her.

“I am,” Marianne responded, and to her own surprise started to smile slightly. “Let us be off to continue our journey.”

It was hard to keep a conversation going during the flight, but Marianne found she did not mind overly much. The journey itself was fascinating. She knew she might never get an opportunity to experience it again, so she resolved to make the most of it. From what she could see of the ground, they were moving at a rapid pace, as well.

The sun continued on its own journey in the sky and Marianne started to shiver. She had not dressed for a trip high in the air where she would face biting wind. Although she had taken a few changes of clothes with her, in a chest now carried by another drone. She briefly contemplated asking for a short stop so she could change, but refrained. Landing now would presumably be a risk, and trying to get to her luggage and change clothes on the back of a flying drone sounded none too wise, either. Instead, she distracted herself by chatting with Ria and watched the ground pass beneath them.

She had never quite gotten the hang of judging the passing of time by the passage of the sun, much preferring a good water clock or even sundial, so she was uncertain how much time had passed. Wistfully, she found herself thinking of the water clock in her parents’ manor where she had grown up. It had been made by a renowned artisan whose name escaped her, and her father had taken great pride in it. While he’d been a baron, his lands had been only slightly larger than his political relevance, and her family had less money than some merchants. With three daughters to marry off, there had not been much money for new luxuries. Oh, it’s been far too long since I wrote to my sisters, Marianne thought. I wonder what they would think of my position now? My dealings with the Hive would shock them, I suppose.

“We’re almost there,” Ria said quietly, approaching her drone closely.

Marianne blinked and turned to her. “I assume we are going to land?”

“Of course,” Ria said drily. “We’d prefer to approach them on the ground, unless you disagree?” She waited for Marianne to shake her head before continuing. “Having a carriage would make a better impression, but we’ll make do. They should be expecting us, assuming Lyns got his message through.”

Marianne nodded. They’d gone over this before. “I wouldn’t expect them to pretend they did not get a message,” she said. “Even disregarding how hard it would be to deny considering Lord Lyns has an envoy with his army, it would not be good for their reputation.”

She was quickly proved right, to her relief. The hive had barely started to descend when Ria said she saw the party the Esemen must have sent waiting for them. The northern border between Cernlia and Esemen was slightly more populated than the corresponding one further to the west, but they had decided on a spot between two towns where few people should normally be found.

The drones descended some distance away, where the Esemen would hopefully not be able to see them, before the Winged Drones lifted into the air again. Ria had brought some War Drones as well, putting them onto their winged brethren for transport, and now loaded their luggage onto a few of the using simple harnesses. Marianne hovered nearby, feeling somewhat useless. It was not a feeling she was used to or that she found very pleasant. Then Ria called one of the drones over and made it crouch low to the ground.

“It’s not a horse, but better than going on foot, right?” she told her.

Marianne hesitated, before she again steeled her nerves and gave her companion a tentative nod. Gingerly, she climbed onto the drone. As a Drone Charger, it was less comfortable than a flying mount, she noted. Although arriving on top of a monster bristling with natural plate and blades should make an impression, she’d hope. Ria mounted up as well, and they were off.

At least Marianne was quite sure the drone would not drop her or attempt to buck her off. Not unless she badly displeased either Ria or the Hive Queen, she supposed.

Was Regina watching them? Her instincts said yes, although there was no way to tell short of asking, and Her Majesty did have other important matters requiring her attention.

They had only been riding for a few minutes and were just about to come into range of the party she’d seen earlier when Ria suddenly slowed. Marianne sat up straighter. Her own drone was keeping pace, slowing as well, whether due to Ria’s orders or on its own, she was unsure.

“Something the matter?” she asked.

“I think so,” Ria answered, her voice tight. “I’ve been keeping a few drones up in the air to keep watch. We’re at the very edge of my queen’s range, so it’s difficult to control them precisely from back home. I’ve been looking through their eyes intermittently, though, and what I’m seeing —”

“What is it?” Marianne asked, grasping her mount’s shell tighter as she clenched her hand around its shoulder.

“Either we’re a lot more important than I thought, and they’ve sent a hell of a greeting party, or …” Ria trailed off and turned her gaze forward, where a party of riders was now approaching them.

Marianne frowned as she studied them. It took her a moment before she realized what she was seeing. There were roughly twenty men. They were moving quickly, approaching at a fast canter, but that was not the issue. After a second, she realized they were very lightly equipped. They had no packhorses, not even large saddlebags. Of course, there were towns not too far away, so that meant little by itself. But judging by the quality of their equipment, especially their weapons, she doubted they were local militia or retainers for poor border barons. If Ria had seen a larger force behind them, that painted an unpleasant picture.

Marianne forced herself not to show those thoughts on her face. Instead, she smiled and relaxed the tension in her body to make herself appear at ease as the Esemen came to a halt in front of them.

“Greetings, good sirs,” she called out. “I am Lady Marianne Neralt, and we have the honor of being the envoys sent by Hive Queen Regina to Esemen. My thanks for your splendid and speedy welcome.”

There was a bit of a rustle among the Esemen, but she had deliberately phrased it so there would be no questions about why they were here or that they should be expected. Their Classes read strangely to her eyes, although she could see they were all at least in the second Tier, if not higher.

“Of course, Milady,” a Knight finally called back. “We bid you welcome to our fair country and will be delighted to escort you.“

“Which we should be doing quickly,” another muttered, only just loud enough for her to hear.

“Seems like there might be troop movements they don’t want us to see happening soon,” Ria murmured under her breath, leaning slightly towards Marianne so she could hear her.

She nodded faintly, but did not look away from their hosts.

Marianne was no strategist, but this did not strike her as a good invasion route into Cernlia. Ria had deliberately chosen a path that would not take them across such a one. Of course, it was also not the most direct way toward Nerlia from Esemen.

On the other hand, if one wanted a base positioned for easy access into both Cernlia and Nerlia, a spot like this, near the junction of all three countries, would be advantageous. Just what are the Esemen doing? she wondered.

“Come along, please,” the Knight called, glancing briefly at the drone Marianne was riding before he resumed meeting her eyes. “You must be weary from your journey. The High Shaman will be pleased to host you and exchange words.”

“I couldn’t possibly keep him waiting,” Marianne replied with her best smile. Luckily, Ria made the drone start moving at the right moment, and the two of them, along with their drone escorts, quickly joined the knights, who formed up around them.

Ria was watching them carefully, and Marianne knew she would be attempting to watch as much as they could. Personally, she would have better luck getting information from their hosts in other ways, so Marianne set to work, turning another smile on the knight who had welcomed her and striking up a conversation.

She had a feeling the Hive Queen needed to know just what was going on out here, and how the Esemen would tilt the balance of the war. It was becoming clear to her that the hive may have underestimated their plans, or their ambition. Of course, whether their reach and their strength would extend as far as their grasp, only time would tell.