Chapter 47: The Warring Snitch
High above the inner rings of Bastion Seven, Patriarch Vance Hennessey stood in his massive office. The walls were lined with ancient weapons and tactical maps.
He stared at a holographic projection resting on his mahogany desk. It displayed a high-resolution image of a severed finger and a jagged ransom note.
The Patriarch did not scream. He did not smash his expensive furniture.
He was a veteran of the wildland wars. He looked at the horrifying image with the cold calculation of a seasoned general.
"Neville is not weak," Vance stated quietly to the man standing behind him.
"My son possesses the Holy Aura. He has the highest grade of defensive magic in this entire city. A group of sewer rats could not just kidnap him without leaving a trace of a struggle."
His chief lieutenant bowed his head.
"What are your orders, Patriarch? The Vanguard Knights are entirely useless. Shall we deploy our trackers?"
