Dreich Cheerless's Arc

Chapter 9 of 10

Dreich stood at the meadow's edge as dawn broke, reviewing everything she'd built. The signal system worked. Her network spread false rumors daily. The ruins stayed quiet and untouched. But something still felt incomplete. She needed one final layer of protection—something that would keep her enemies confused even if they made it past everything else. She walked back toward the old willow, her mind working through the problem. By the time she reached the tree, the answer had settled in her chest like a stone. She would create a false trail leading away from the real location, marking it with signs that looked important but meant nothing. Her enemies would follow the bait while the mirth spell remained hidden behind them. She gathered supplies and began. By noon, the fake trail was complete. Everything was ready now. She carved the last sign from birch wood, painting it in bright colors that would catch any traveler's eye. Swirls and patterns covered the surface in a style that looked playful and important at once. The words pointed the wrong way, suggesting the ruins lay three miles east when they actually sat west. She placed it where the false trail began, then stepped back to check her work. Anyone following her fake path would waste days searching empty clearings while the real location stayed protected. Her network would spread confusion through words, her signal system would warn of danger, and now this final piece would turn enemies away before they ever got close. The mirth spell had three layers of defense surrounding it. She walked back to the willow as the sun dropped low, knowing her life's work was finally secure. But protection meant nothing if her allies couldn't reach her when danger came. Dreich spent the next morning building a small birdhouse from scrap wood and old metal pieces. She carved tiny compartments into the sides, each one hidden behind sliding panels painted to look like knotholes. Her network could leave messages here without meeting face to face. They could warn her of strangers asking questions or report when enemies moved closer. She tested each compartment, making sure the panels slid smoothly and stayed shut when closed. The birdhouse would hang somewhere her allies could find it easily, a silent messenger that kept everyone safe. She ran her fingers over the carvings one last time. The fake signs would turn enemies away. The signal flares would call for help. The rumors would spread confusion. And now this would let her allies pass warnings without risk. Every piece worked together, each one strengthening the others. The mirth spell was protected from every direction now, wrapped in layers of careful planning. Dreich carried the birdhouse toward the meadow, ready to put the final piece in place. One task remained. Speed mattered if enemies ever broke through her defenses. Dreich spent the afternoon clearing a space behind the ruins and marking obstacles with glowing bluish-green paint. She hung ropes between trees, stacked crates at different heights, and dug shallow trenches in patterns that forced quick changes in direction. The course would teach her body what her mind already knew—every second counted when running from danger. She tested the first obstacle, ducking under a low rope and vaulting over a crate. Her wings caught air briefly, helping her clear the distance. She ran it again, faster this time, memorizing each turn and jump. By evening, she could move through the course without thinking, her muscles remembering the path. The defenses would slow her enemies down, but this would make sure she stayed ahead of them. Everything was ready now. The mirth spell had protection from every angle, and she had the skills to keep it that way.