CHAPTER 30

Tyrathect reflects on losing ground to Flenser’s persona while inspecting Steel’s rushed fortifications and concealed artillery. Steel’s plan: lure Woodcarver’s smaller, overconfident force into range of superior long‑range cannons and deadfalls, aided by a top‑level spy in Woodcarver’s court. Tyrathect abandons hopes of warning Woodcarver, realizing any message would be exposed.

In private council, Steel frets over recent human messages and timing: Woodcarver will arrive before Ravna. Tyrathect urges patience and manipulation of Amdijefri while noting the rescuers’ tension likely stems from their own politics. Steel summons the children and unveils the finished radios—costly, dark cloaks interwoven with precious metals.

Amdi begs to be the first tester, but Jefri objects to the risk. Rejecting an expendable prisoner, Tyrathect abruptly volunteers. Jefri outfits her with the radio cloaks, explaining the controls, while Amdi offers guidance about simultaneous tightening to avoid speed mismatches.

On activation, Tyrathect nearly loses consciousness as ultra‑fast radio replaces acoustic thought, then stabilizes by adjusting the straps. She discovers the cloaks mute external thought-noise yet preserve crystal‑clear internal coordination even at distances that would normally shatter a pack’s mind. Nose‑to‑nose with Amdi, both can still think; she then spreads two members across the inner yard and beyond without lag.

Exhilarated, Tyrathect runs the castle, extending her members to the outer walls while Shreck’s guards scramble. The panoramic, parallax “God’s view” reveals unprecedented situational awareness. She realizes Flenser’s persona may not function under radio’s demands, implying her own mindset uniquely fits the technology. Elated but composed, she agrees to return, while Steel—both thrilled and alarmed—sees the breakthrough’s battlefield potential as Woodcarver approaches.