“There’s no way we can get the kings to agree to such an assault.”
“Not all of them,” she said. “But a smaller group. Rynda, Dothlore, Erisay, the Bladed, they would all be willing.”
Water liked the suggestion. It posed a risk, but the goal was simple. Destroy the Dark Gate. If they could breach the fortifications unseen, and infiltrate the fortress, they might be able to destroy, or at the very least, delay Serak’s plans.
“Let’s see what Rynda has to say.”
They dropped from the escarpment and made their way down the slope. Outer sentries had been posted, and thousands were still erecting fortifications, tents, and war machines. A notable separation kept the various commands distinct, a fifty-foot gap where no tent or soldier lingered.
Water and Lira passed through a contingent of Talinorian cavalry and then crossed one such gap on their way to the Griffin infantry. The soldiers laughed and talked as they had the previous week, but the talk had gained a noticeable current of tension. Seeing Draeken and Serak astride twin red dragons, one of which was the largest they had ever seen, had left them shaken. They’d thought this would be a quick campaign, crush the Order of Ancients and be back in a week.
“The men sense a reason to fear,” Lira murmured.
Water watched a pair of sentries speak in low tones, the subject that of how to kill a dragon, and how to hide if it landed in their midst. They hoped to be stationed near the river that coursed through the valley, where the water would give them a place to escape from dragon fire.
The river cut through the valley, descending from the northern foothills near the escarpment where Water and Lira had surveyed the advance, and continuing through the valley to a small lake. Creeks from the southern hills entered the lake, which emptied into the river winding west, where it culminated near Terros.
At thirty feet across, the river was not overly large or swift, its lazy current easy to cross with the various temporary bridges the men had placed. Half the human forces had placed their camp on the west side of the river, as had the elves.
Water strode to the surface and hardened the liquid, allowing them to cross to the opposite bank and avoid the heavily trafficked bridges. Talinorian cavalry, rock trolls, gnomes, orcs, and the rest of the human camps were sprawled across the remainder of the valley, flattening the indigenous brush.
On a small rise near the center, Queen Rynda leaned against the single tree. Water and Lira picked their way through the camps to reach her, arriving as Fire appeared as well. Fire grinned as they approached at the same time, and Fire’s plate of food revealed where he’d gone.
“I’m not used to being so hungry,” Fire said as they ascended the small rise.
“You get used to it,” Rynda said, turning to greet them.
“Is your camp set?” Water asked.
Rynda nodded. “Twenty thousand rock trolls.”
“Can you kill the dragons?”
“We’ve killed more dragons than the other races combined,” Rynda said. “It’s Draeken and Serak that give me pause.”
The statement spoke volumes. As long as Water had known the formidable rock troll queen, she’d never expressed fear or doubt. After dismissing a battle against two of the mightiest creatures on Lumineia, it was their riders that made her question her strength.
“It doesn’t help that our army is on the brink of infighting.” Fire used a fork to point to the camp.
Rynda cursed under her breath. “This was a bad idea from the start. It’s clear Serak wanted us here, and even though all outward signs point to a quick victory, we are not fighting a normal foe.”
“Lira has an idea,” Water motioned to her.
Lira pointed to Xshaltheria. “I think we should attack tonight.”
“All of us?” Fire snorted in disagreement. “They’ve just set up camp and I cannot see King Justin putting on his armor to attack when its dark, and especially not when it looks like we have such an overwhelming advantage.”
“No,” Rynda said, nodding in thought. “Lira is right. A small force could breach the fortifications and reach the Dark Gate. Destroy it before he has a chance to open it.”
Fire looked between them. “Are we seriously talking about planning a high risk attack against a weaker foe—when we have the superior force?”
“Yes,” Water said firmly. “It’s our best chance to stop Serak and Draeken. What fool would ignore their superior strength for such a dangerous gambit?”
“Smart tactics are never foolish,” Rynda said, stepping away from the tree. “Erisay will want to be part of this, but Dothlore is meeting with King Justin. We’ll have to do this without him.”
“How many do you think we should take with us?” Lira asked.
“Two dozen,” Rynda said. “No more.”
“This is madness,” Fire said. “Fortunately, I like this type of madness.”
Rynda grinned and turned away before casting over her shoulder. “Meet me at the edge of my camp at midnight.”
“She seems excited,” Lira drawled.
“Of course she is.” Fire took a bite of his bread and spoke through a full mouth. “She gets to abandon all the soldiers she thinks are useless, and strike at Serak in a way that could destroy him for good.”
“You make it sound like it’s easy,” Water said.
“Not easy. Just exciting. I’ll see you guys there.”
“Where are you going?”
He looked at them like they were daft. “I’d rather be stabbed in the leg than watch the two of you sneak kisses.”
Water flushed and Lira grinned. Fire had finished his plate and departed in search of more. When he was gone Lira took Rynda’s place on the small rise and pointed to the fortress of Xshaltheria.
“You think we can do this?”
