The salamander says exactly that. "It may be too much of a risk. We could lose all our fighters, all to recover a hundred archers."
“A hundred excellent archers,” Vlari says. “I think it’s worth it.”
That’s the end of it. If we have to slave over the map for hours until we have a plan, we will.
I frown, looking at the path just south of the border between Mist and Ichor. I know that place; I was sent to train there when I first enlisted in Genrion’s forces. I loved it there. Freezing in the winter, enchanting in the summer, the mountains were a delight.
"What if we didn't ambush them?" I surprise myself. I'd no plan to say anything out loud. I don't even have a plan—just the shadow of an idea.
Now, everyone is looking at me, and I have to either look like an idiot, or explain myself. And probably look like an idiot either way. "That area is dangerous—hence why no one lives there. The army uses it as training ground because of the frequent earthquakes. We're trained to find shelter and survive in those circumstances, but it'd surprise me if the humans were. There are caves in these mountains, along the path where we could hide. It could be possible to start a landslide here."
The queen of Ichor frowns. “This isn’t on their way. It’s south of the path they’re likely to take.”
“A landslide up these mountains will take the entire valley,” I promise. “There are spells and wards to prevent it.”
I look to Genrion for confirmation. The duke nods. “It may be doable.”
One of the four knights behind the king of Ash asks, hopeful, “Do we need to blow up anything?" He shrugs when we turn to him.
Vlari grins. “We’ll more than likely need a few explosions.”
His smile broadens, like the princess offered him a present wrapped with a pretty white bow. “It’s been a few quiet years. I’ll tag along, if you’ll have me.”
His king doesn’t seem happy at all, but he doesn’t protest either.
“While your plan could work, it could also endanger the elves," Nero says quietly.
His mother, the ferocious pixie my sister idolizes since she saved my family ten years ago, snorts. "Right. A landslide and a bit of an earthquake killing elves. Let the adults talk, boy."
Nero doesn't seem offended. "I'm just saying, there may be injured or weaker captives who will need our assistance."
I can't tell whether he's just naive, or willfully obtuse. Of course, not all of our people will make it. It's not expected. Whatever way we choose to do this, there will be casualties. They are acceptable losses, when the alternative is to let them all die at the hand of the false queen.
This is war, not a children’s tale.
There are no miracle solutions where all of the folk end up safe, sound, and free. It’s just a matter of picking the path that offers the least amount of death on our side, and the most on theirs.
Unless…
"Vlari," I say, redirecting the attention of the room to me for the second time. “You can feed from life force, and redistribute it."
The lower kings and queens exchange uncomfortable glances. None of them like the idea of a Void among us. Power over life and death is too much in the hands of one individual. Vlari can make us all kneel, regardless of her intentions, just like Nyx had. But whether they approve or not, there is no denying what she can do.
"Are you suggesting she be part of the rescue? That’s out of the question. The princess needs to stay here, safe.”
“She’s the last of her line! If the queen were to pass, what then?”
I’m ignoring the Sandwoman and the king of Ash, my attention on the woman perched on my armrest. She grins. “Of course, I’ll be there. I’ll assist from a reasonable distance.”
The room bursts into an uproar of protests, coming from everywhere and everyone.
It seems they still don’t understand that she’ll choose what she does.
She stands up and leans over the tree trunk.
“My presence will limit the casualties, and cover our retreat. I am going. This isn’t up for debate.”
"No." The queen straightens her spine. "We can't risk you getting involved and losing some energy in the process. Not because I want to smother you. Because you’re needed in the war to come. It's too much of a risk.”
