The Hive’s Wrath: When Fire Doth Consume Both Foes and Fields

Whilst the first rays of the sun did caress the vineyards of the Royal Forest, a rumour did sweep through Durakiss like a gust of dread: « Another rock from the Hive! » This time, ’twas in the wheat fields, a stone’s throw from the walls, that the Hive did choose to remind us of its presence and the peril it doth pose to Arche Prime. Straightway, Marquis Khovuk of the Royal Forest did gather a band of adventurers to defend the folk. They did vanquish the small band of raveners to secure the land. ‘Twas then, with the aid of mages from Sambrune, that the rock was at last incinerated by fire.

Once upon the scene, I did behold the damage and met with the folk. « ‘Tis ever the same! », did lament a farmer, his fists clenched and his face red with wrath. « We are bidden to till our lands, yet they burn them to protect us! Where is the logic? Where is the justice? » I did weigh a handful of blackened earth betwixt mine fingers, whilst observing the folk, somewhat sheepish. Alas, ’tis the only remedy known to destroy the rocks and prevent the invasion of the world.

Yet, His Majesty King Alak hath already taken the lead: the farmers shall be housed at the Royal Guesthouse, and may toil in the domain’s vineyards whilst their lands do recover – if ever they might.

But the question doth remain: Shall the city-states of Arche Terre find a way that doth not rely on flame? For at this pace, ’tis not only the Hive’s rocks that are in peril… but also our forests and our crops. To burn a rock is easy, yet to burn our fields is to burn our future.

Let it be known to all readers that the Hive doth pose a grave threat to our lands. Many an article on this scourge may be found in our columns, such as « Urgent Alert – Threat of Extraterrestrial Rocks and Raveners » in this very issue. ‘Tis clear that the state of emergency shall not soon be lifted.

« When Erevan doth laugh, he doth remind us that cunning may save what force doth destroy. So, cities of Arche Terre, find another path… or prepare to reap naught but ashes. »