Gerard and Sprite rushed out of the castle while Jerrick remained seated comfortably. Once outside, the troops and leaders relayed information incoherently. Gerard took to the walls to view the cause of the commotion.
Hundreds of insect-like creatures emerged from the surrounding landscape, their chittering mandibles and clicking limbs filling the air with an eerie cacophony. Most of the Idegen resembled grubs, but some looked closer to preparing mantises.
"Those are collectors," Addis said.
"Collectors? Collector of what?"
"They take the life-force from those they drain and bring it back to the others. The more powerful ones..."
"There are tiers to this?"
"Just four. The collectors, the controllers, the herd and the big ones, the bosses."
"Should we be happy there are only collectors, then?"
"No. You'll see why in a moment."