Shale paid attention and listened but he had a plan in mind already for dealing with the castle itself. It was the forces outside that could prove problematic. His eyes scanned the chamber, comparing it to his dream. Definitely the same structure but not the same room. Perhaps the setting was upstairs. Still, that was a matter for later.
"I want you to handle the take-over of this building. Keep in mind these priorities." He spoke clearly as he explained. "We must not advertise our presence. No battle. Death if necessary, but no battle. Any guards that will turn should be paired with a squad of golems to ensure their continued loyalty until it can be earned in truth. Living guards could be useful later, they can improvise and adapt better than golems. Any that appear likely to be more difficult should be dispatched by one of the golems. Their power should allow no human or simple demon to withstand even a single strike."
He walked to the center of the chamber and planted his staff on the ground. A spire of amber in the guise of entwined vines sprang from the spot to form a thick column from floor to ceiling. It glowed softly and grew leaves of living gold. Yet, its true nature was a portal to the Amber Forge. Those who had already been to the Forge could use it to cross back and forth. It also served as a remote interface so that Shale could craft copies of existing golems without leaving Darkness Abounds.
With a gesture, he called additional copies of the warrior type guardian golem. One after another they appeared, lining up silently to wait for orders. Yet, these were not for Ilea's mission. They were to be the first line of defense after she had succeeded. It was Shale's second gesture that brought forth the hunters. They seemed to be made of something akin to glass and were nearly transparent. Silent and swift, they moved to form up around Ilea. Each had a bow and a simple conjuration mark for high penetration arrows. No simple armor or shield would be able to either deflect or block such arrows. Even enchanted ones would find it difficult. They also had dagger-like blades that extended from their elbows but it was clear that they were designed for precision kills from afar and stealth above all.
"These Hunter golems are yours. You will be the Lady of this castle." Shale smiled at her with pride, and something warmer that he still lacked words for. "Take your home and make it yours." Through the bond there whispered the suggestion of celebrating in private once the matter of house cleaning was dealt with. "For now, I will withdraw to the forge. The golems I will need to control the countryside must still be designed and I cannot do that here." With no witnesses beside the golems he crossed the distance between them quickly pulled her close, pressing his lips to hers in a deep kiss as his fingers slipped beneath her leathers to caress her and his power slipped over her skin from the most sensitive parts of her scalp all the way to her toes, missing nothing along the way and carrying a hefty promise of exactly how well they would celebrate. Then, before he lost the will to do what had to be done, he broke free and flashed through the portal into the altered time of the Forge.
With his skills, it would not be long before he returned but he had left Ilea with ample resources. Dozens of Hunter golems had already appeared and more kept coming. Even if there was trouble, there was a large garrison building in that chamber. Those above would have no chance of actual victory, even if they had time to coordinate a defense. And, knowing Ilea as he did, Shale was certain that they would not.
