“Because I was trying to keep track of the entire vision,” Senia said tersely. “You want to try?”
Elenyr rose to her feet, a touch of hope in her chest. “We can divide, at least for now, and seek all four paths.”
“The path of war,” Rynda said, a smile on her face. “I can handle the alliance at Terros.”
“The path of the gate,” Willow said quietly. “We have to close the Dark Gate, permanently.”
“The path for aid,” Tardoq rumbled. “I will seek the Bonebreaker’s help.”
“And the path of assassins,” Shadow said. They all looked at him and he shrugged. “What else would you call it? We have to kill the four generals.”
“Our foes will likely be focused on the war,” Mind said. “We should place our strongest forces there.”
“You should hunt the horsemen,” Water said to Elenyr. “You and Shadow are best suited for infiltration, and that journey will likely require you to enter Serak’s fortresses.”
“I’ll go with Tardoq to the Krey Empire,” Mind said.
Elenyr spun to face him, surprised by his offer. “You want to go to the Empire?”
It was undeniably the most dangerous of the paths. In the Empire, humans were slaves, and Mind would be regarded as such. And if Tardoq betrayed them, he would be imprisoned and they would attempt to discern the source of his power.
Jeric’s eyes hardened and settled on Tardoq. “I don’t trust Tardoq enough to take him back to the Empire.”
Tardoq did not retreat. He’d once been their foe, but now stood as an ally. Yet Elenyr knew the risk. Allowing Tardoq to return to the Krey Empire could very well ensure their destruction. If Tardoq told the Empire about Lumineia, an armada would arrive in their skies.
“It is the one option Draeken and Serak will not consider,” Elenyr said.
Fire stabbed a finger at Senia. “The oracle said she cannot see beyond indecision. We cannot trust Tardoq.”
Rynda growled at Fire’s words. “You would speak of him as if he were not here?”
“Would you rather we lie behind his back?” Fire asked. “I thought that was the reason you hate men.”
She snorted but did not refute his statement. Elenyr watched Tardoq. The dakorian had been a soldier for the Empire for ages, and his entire life had been an oppression to mankind. Could they trust him?
“This is foolish,” Jeric said. “Tardoq is a Bloodwall. For us to trust him is like putting a snake in your coat and hoping he won’t sink his fangs into your flesh.”
“We cannot risk failure,” Mind said.
“So you trust him?” Jeric asked.
Mind regarded him for a moment, and then pointed to Elenyr. “I know Elenyr does, and I trust her.”
“I do trust him,” Elenyr said, and Tardoq inclined his head to her, a mark of gratitude.
Jeric scowled and looked away. “You seek one who is unlikely to help. The Bonebreaker is an exiled Bloodwall, perhaps the mightiest dakorian to ever live. Even we, the Eternals, have feared asking her aid.”
“Tardoq will succeed,” Mind said.
“I cannot do as you request,” Jeric jerked his head. “The Eternals protect Lumineia from people like him. We cannot trust him.”
Tardoq reached up and slowly drew the greatsword on his back, the weapon of a young rock troll named Kentor. He held it in his hands, his expression reverent. Then he grasped the hilt and placed the sword on the floor.
“I give you my oath as a Bloodwall, sworn on the blade of my protector, I will not betray the people of Lumineia. As of this moment, I renounce my rank in the Krey Empire, and if you will have me, I will join your ranks in protecting this world.”
His words were soft, but they seemed to reverberate in the cavern. Then Shadow shrugged. “Good enough for me. Ready to go?”
“Four paths,” Elenyr said. “Each with the chance to cripple or destroy Draeken and Serak.”
“A sound plan.” Mind swept his hand to the others. “But who goes with whom?”
Senia abruptly laughed, and when all turned to face her, she shrugged apologetically. “Sorry, I saw you talk about that in one of the futures. Something about Welfall.”
Jeric grimaced. “Not a subject I like.”
Elenyr frowned and considered the gathered group, and then directed them into groups. “Water and Fire, you go with Lira and Rynda to Terros. There you can join the alliance and help fight the war.”
They separated themselves and stepped to the side of the room, and Elenyr turned to the remainder. “Light and Willow can go with Senia and Rake to find Lachonus. We know he is integral to stopping Draeken, but not how or why. The oracle can guide you to him.”
She looked to Jeric as she spoke the next group. “Tardoq and Jeric will go to the Empire, and Mind will accompany them.”
Jeric scowled but did not argue as he took his place with Mind and Tardoq. Shadow grinned as he stepped to Elenyr’s side, and Lorica joined him. Sentara and Rune walked to Elenyr’s side and Sentara shrugged.
“Looks like we are going after the generals.”
“We are,” Elenyr said, and surveyed the four groups. “For now, this is our best course, but remember the foe we face. Draeken is smart as well as powerful, and if we are to succeed, we must be ready to adapt.”
She swallowed at the sudden worry in her chest. Her sons were weaker, and now they were fighting an even greater foe. Yet she could not imagine a greater collection of family and friends. She smiled.
