In the dim underground palace, the rats flowed in shallow waves around the Ratfolk Priest, following the priest's steps until they became one with the darkness of the Underground Palace.
Deep within the Underground Palace, a beautiful woman in a pale robe sat outside the dungeon. Her robe concealed her graceful figure, and she looked utterly out of place.
"Priest."
She rose to greet the Ratfolk Priest and the swarm.
"Maria..." the priest whispered in the Ratfolk Language. "The Rat God's Eye tells us a group of humans is plotting something to the east..."
"Will they come here?"
"I only came to tell you that the Montreal bloodline... the Holy Race still has its uses."
"What if they fight their way here?"
"Nothing here can be left to the humans..."
"I request permission to use the Fel Eye."
"You are the Warden. I grant you permission..."
With permission secured, Maria followed the Ratfolk Priest to the heart of the Underground Palace.
Emerald Fel light and murmured voices filled the Dark Hall. Ratfolk Believers gathered before the Fel Eye's altar, praying and offering it energy.
The Ratfolk Priest withdrew from the Underground Palace, and Maria, the Warden, stepped onto the altar to commune with the Fel Eye.
A phantom of the Fel Eye appeared above the ruined palace.
She searched the area around the Old King Royal Capital for suspicious figures. At one point, the Fel Eye beneath the Underground Palace reflected a furtive silhouette.
Maria's heart raced. Before the praying Ratfolk Believers could spot him, she quickly turned the Fel Eye's gaze away.
As prayers echoed through the underground palace, the figure she had glimpsed flashed through Maria's mind.
What was he doing here...?
The advancing Rat Tide was like a dark cloud, slowly but relentlessly spreading over the