Lindarion tapped the map with two fingers. His voice was steady. He didn't bother with buildup.
"These aren't just ancient artifacts. They're part of a system. Someone buried them a long time ago, then waited. They knew exactly where the leyline veins would shift over time."
"You're saying this was planned?"
"Yes. Not decades ago—centuries. Maybe longer."
Leonhardt's face tightened. "How many of these runes are active?"
"Six that I've confirmed. Three more are dormant, but wired. They pulse at intervals. The next one goes live in three days."
He pointed to a marked spot near Caldris.
"Here. Ravaryn's estate."
Leonhardt looked at the marking. "He has no known connection to magic."
"I know," Lindarion said. "That's why it worked. No one questions a noble who doesn't get involved."
"And the others?" Leonhardt asked. "Where are they?"
"Velmora. Veldoria. One under the Shroud River. Another outside Sylvarion. Two I haven't fully mapped yet—they might be mobile."
