The forest was silent, knowing full well that an ambush was being staged. Audra stood in the center of the clearing, eyes closed, and waited for the signal that everyone was in place. Not that she really needed the signal; they were making so much noise getting into place that she would assume that when the noise stopped that they were ready. Granted, she had exceptionally good hearing for a human, but the constant rustle of a cloak or the crack of a breaking twig was becoming obnoxious. That and the smell of the magic radiating off of their bodies; all of the aurors currently surrounding the clearing cloaked themselves in concealment charms and enchantments, hoping to remain hidden long enough before they would strike. During the planning of this ambush, Audra had warned them that the Death Eaters they were hunting always Apperated within five hundred meters of wherever the person calling them stood. As a precaution, she told the aurors to circle a half a mile out, allowing for enough room for stragglers.
The plan was simple: Audra was to call the Death Eaters to her, acting as if on Voldemort's last orders. Once the Death Eaters had obeyed orders and came to her, the aurors would close in around the circle until they were close enough to stun. Audra was to be captured (again) but this time was to be paraded in front of the media to officially signal the end of the Dark Lord's reign. Lindsey and Audra had even planned a staged duel, to fool any Death Eater who may witness her capture.
A tree branch rustled above her head and Audra glanced upwards, catching sight of a palomino falcon on the highest branch. [Lindz, I don't want you this close,] Audra mind-flashed the bird, [they could notice you. I don't want to lose you as well.]
[And I don't want to lose you either Audra. I'm here in case things get out of hand,] she replied. [Everyone is ready; please be careful,] Lindsey added. She let out an earsplitting cry, the noise penetrating the shadows of the trees, signaling to everyone that the time was ready.
Audra closed her eyes, clearing her mind of any and all thoughts. Meditating, she stood still controlling her breath and her heartbeat. She lifted her left arm, and placed her fingers on the Dark Mark branded on to her. My Death Eaters, she thought, sending the message out through her Mark and into theirs, Join me. She released her hold on their minds and waited for them to obey her. She felt the power given to her by Voldemort radiating through the ink on her arm, burning deep within her body and soul. She had given them a direct order, much the same as Voldemort would, and they could not ignore her command.
She heard the slithering of their cloaks over the uneven ground as individuals began to approach her. Slowly, one by one, they came, their black robes blending into the darkness of the forest, the whites of the masks reflecting the light of the waning moon. None approached her, as was customary since she was now their master, but she didn't bother enforcing that policy. Quietly the Death Eaters took up their place in the circle, leaving gaps between them for those already captured. All were restless, wondering why they were forced to come when she called; many were still sore with the fact she held higher ranking.
Audra slowly looked around the circle, meeting each pair of eyes individually sizing up the man behind them. "Out of dozens who call themselves Death Eaters… only a handful show," she noted, trying her best to act like Voldemort; He never had to worry about losing His audience, and yet she knew she would. "Pathetic," she spat, "did they think just because the rumors say the Dark Lord is dead, that we would not carry out His vision!" She had began to pace, but then stopped and added, "of course, you who are still loyal to His power will be rewarded. I will personally see to that." She continued her pacing, feeling all eyes upon her every move.
Someone stepped forward and Audra snapped her head around to watch. "Excuse me, My Lady," Evan Rosier said with a sneer, "but what gives you the authority to call us all here?"
Audra grinned in a way that invited challenge. "Because, Rosier, the Dark Lord made me His Second-in-Command. And the transfer of power was complete the moment He died." She held up her arm, displaying to all that could see, the skull and snake pentagram, still shining brightly against her skin. "You Mark has already begun to fade, has it not?" she asked, looking around the circle. "Mine has not and will not; I have the Dark Lord's power until He rises again."
"That is blasphemous!" Bellatrix Lestrange broke rank, brandishing her wand at Audra. "How dare you say that you contain His powers! Only the Dark Lord is that great! I refuse to obey filth such as you."
Audra never backed up from Bellatrix, even when the woman stopped within arm's reach. "Going against me is going against the Dark Lord," Audra hissed, her head held high. "He has given me His mandate and will to carry out His work. If you wish to go against your master's orders, than do so," she took the step forward so that she was in the woman's face. "If not then I suggest you get back in your place," she ordered. Voldemort's lent power worked; Bellatrix lowered her eyes and retreated back to her spot in the circle.