Master Artificer Gyra's declaration – "considerably more valuable to the Kinetics Guild's research" – hung in the air of the workshop, feeling less like an opportunity and more like the closing of a cage door. Lunrik had hoped cooperation would lead towards eventual freedom or at least a degree of autonomy within Grimfang Deep. Instead, he seemed to have traded one form of captivity for another, potentially more invasive one. Being a subject of dwarven scientific curiosity felt deeply unsettling, particularly when it involved the Banehallow curse, the volatile core of his fractured identity.
Gyra, however, seemed oblivious to his discomfort, caught up in the implications of her discovery. She continued muttering technical specifications, tapping commands into various consoles, occasionally glancing back at Lunrik as if he were a particularly fascinating piece of reactive ore. The two wardens who had escorted him remained impassive by the workshop door, their presence a constant reminder of his constrained status.
"The resonance incompatibility is pronounced," Gyra dictated into a recording device, her voice crisp. "Subject Surface-Gamma-Three's bio-signature actively disrupts the energy matrix of Unknown Artifact RX-7. Hypothesis: Opposing energy frequencies, potential bio-authentication keyed to exclude Banehallow lineage, or technology derived from anti-Banehallow origins – Solaris primary candidate, requires cross-referencing with archived elemental resonance data." She paused, tapping a sharpened stylus against her chin. "Further testing required. Controlled energy field exposure, deeper bio-signature analysis… potentially invasive."
Lunrik stiffened at the word "invasive." "Master Artificer," he interjected, trying to keep his voice calm but firm. "High Loremaster Thrain spoke of a conditional arrangement based on cooperation regarding external threats. Not… medical experimentation."
Gyra looked up, momentarily distracted from her data slate, her sharp eyes fixing on him again. "Understanding the nature of this external threat requires understanding how their technology interacts with its intended targets, werewolves," she retorted dismissively. "Your unique energy signature is currently our best data point for analyzing Artifact RX-7 and, by extension, the capabilities and potential weaknesses of those who wield it. Your cooperation in this analysis is cooperation regarding the external threat. Do not mistake scientific inquiry for idle curiosity." Her tone left no room for argument. Cooperation meant submitting to her research, whether he liked it or not. The chains of the arrangement felt suddenly tighter, colder.
Before Lunrik could formulate a response, a chime echoed through the workshop, and a section of the wall lit up, displaying High Loremaster Thrain's stern, bearded face.
"Master Gyra," Thrain's voice resonated from the comm panel. "Report."
"High Loremaster," Gyra replied, turning towards the screen, instantly adopting a more formal tone. "Preliminary analysis of RX-7 confirms advanced energy principles, non-dwarven origin. Crucially, interaction testing with Subject Gamma-Three reveals a significant resonance incompatibility linked directly to the Banehallow energy signature. The weapon actively rejects his bio-field. Implications for hunter origins and targeting protocols are substantial."
Thrain's ancient eyes flickered towards Lunrik, visible just behind Gyra on the comm screen's pickup. "Confirmed Banehallow reactivity," he mused softly. "Most intriguing. Does this incompatibility suggest a defensive measure, or an offensive one keyed specifically against the cursed line?"
"Insufficient data, High Loremaster," Gyra admitted. "The weapon is damaged. But the rejection implies a fundamental opposition. Further testing on the subject is necessary to determine the exact nature and potential amplification effects."
"Proceed with caution, Master Artificer," Thrain warned. "The subject's cooperation is currently… beneficial. Do not jeopardize the broader arrangement for localized kinetic data, however fascinating." He paused. "Separately, interrogation of Subject Gamma-Two (the Dravenwolf female) reveals corroborating details regarding the surface encounters, but offers no insight into the hunters' technology or motives beyond basic observation. Subject Gamma-One (the Frostmane) remains… incoherent, trapped in shock, muttering only fragments about passes and maps. His knowledge remains inaccessible, for now."
"Understood, High Loremaster," Gyra acknowledged.
"One final matter," Thrain continued, his gaze shifting back to Lunrik on the screen. "Forgemaster Borin's scouts have completed their sweep of the glacier surface near the Cog Gate. They report the two fleeing hunters vanished without further trace – likely utilizing advanced stealth or extraction technology. However, they also report renewed Ashfang activity converging on the area from the south. It seems Magdra Ashgrim hasn't abandoned her objective, despite Vorlag's demise. Reinforcements, perhaps a new commander, are inbound."
Lunrik felt a jolt of alarm. Ashfang reinforcements? Coming here? That significantly raised the stakes again.
"Borin believes the Ashfang may attempt to locate and utilize the knowledge held by the Frostmane, or perhaps locate the Gate itself based on Vorlag's last known position," Thrain elaborated. "While Grimfang Deep can easily repel such intrusions, surface conflicts spilling directly onto our threshold are… untidy. Disruptive."
He looked directly at Lunrik again. "It seems your 'conditional arrangement' may require practical application sooner than anticipated, werewolf. Forgemaster Borin requires reconnaissance beyond the Gate. He needs eyes on the approaching Ashfang forces – numbers, disposition, leadership, intended path. He needs confirmation if they are searching for the Frostmane specifically, or the Gate, or both. Information vital to preempting a direct confrontation at our doorstep."
Lunrik processed this rapidly. They wanted him to scout outside the Gate? Back onto the glacier, potentially facing Ashfang reinforcements and the lingering threat of the unknown hunters? It was dangerous, incredibly so. But it was also an opportunity – a chance to operate outside his cell, to potentially reunite with Kaelith (surely they wouldn't send him alone?), and to actively gather intelligence that served both dwarven interests and his own need to understand Magdra's plans.
Alaric's ghost approved: Accept. Reconnaissance provides tactical advantage. Opportunity to assess enemy strength, possibly locate Kaelith. Calculated risk.
"I understand, High Loremaster," Lunrik said carefully. "Reconnaissance is… familiar territory. But I cannot do it alone. My companion, Kaelith, is the expert tracker, essential for navigating that terrain safely and gathering accurate intelligence. And my own effectiveness is limited by recent injuries." He deliberately highlighted his weakness, hoping to leverage Kaelith's inclusion.
Thrain exchanged a brief, silent look with Gyra and Borin (who must have been listening on a separate channel). After a moment, Thrain nodded slowly. "A reasonable request. The Dravenwolf possesses valuable skills for such terrain. Master Gyra, is Subject Gamma-Three medically fit for surface deployment?"
Gyra consulted her scanner readings briefly. "Minor soft tissue damage consistent with blunt force trauma. Sprained ankle ligament. Tolerable under duress. His Banehallow physiology likely accelerates minor healing, though systemic stress levels are elevated." She shrugged slightly. "Functionally capable, if not optimal."
"Very well," Thrain decided. "The Dravenwolf female will accompany you. Forgemaster Borin will provide a briefing, minimal equipment appropriate for surface conditions, and establish communication protocols. You will have a limited timeframe. Gather the required intelligence on the Ashfang deployment and return to the Gate. Failure, or deviation from the assigned task, will terminate this arrangement… permanently."
The implicit threat was clear.
"One more thing," Lunrik added quickly, before Thrain could sign off. "Eryndor Frostmane. He is vulnerable, incoherent. His knowledge is dangerous if misused. Will he remain safe while we are gone?"
Thrain's expression remained impassive. "Subject Gamma-One is under secure observation. His well-being is… adequate. His knowledge will be handled with appropriate dwarven discretion. Focus on your assigned task, werewolf. That is your path back from this threshold." The screen went dark.
Gyra turned back to Lunrik, her scientific curiosity momentarily shelved, replaced by brisk efficiency. "You heard the High Loremaster. The wardens will escort you to the surface staging area for Borin's briefing. I expect a full report on any encountered technologies upon your return." She clearly saw this reconnaissance mission primarily as an opportunity for more data collection.
Lunrik nodded, a mixture of relief and trepidation swirling within him. He was getting out of the cell. He would be reunited with Kaelith, albeit temporarily and under strict dwarven supervision. But they were being sent back out into the dangers of the Skyrend Peaks, tasked with scouting Magdra's forces while potentially still being hunted themselves. The conditional arrangement felt less like sanctuary and more like being used as a disposable pawn in the dwarves' border defense strategy. The chains of cooperation might allow movement, but they were still firmly attached, held tight by the unyielding masters of the mountain.