Page 136 of A Reign of Embers
I hold the message I received in as we hurry to our horses. Only once we’ve left the temple well behind in the city streets do I start giving my orders.
“High Commander, the illusionary specialists and the gifted dedicats we meant to pair them with will need to set out as soon as I give them their instructions. Kosmel reassured me that completely concealing our military allies shouldn’t be necessary. We merely need to convince Valerisse’s forces that the soldiers from the outer territories are merely more Darium troops coming to join them—make them look as if they have the right uniforms.”
A rough chuckle tumbles out of him. “Still an immense task, but adjusting the appearance of their clothing should be significantly less immense than erasing them from view altogether. You think we’ll be able to deceive the tribune for long enough for them to get within striking distance?”
“Kosmel will be watching over our trick. I believe he will see it through.” I pause. “We’ll need to send at least a couple of pairs to Goric and on a cautious route to Lavira as well, in case the other kingdoms are sending their own soldiers.”
If Rione and Cotea were swayed, there’s a decent chance the others were too. I can’t leave them to be slaughtered.
Of course, if we stretch our resources too thin unnecessarily, weallmight be slaughtered.
The uncertainty pinches my gut, but I set my chin. I took a chance reaching out to the outer territories for their aid in the first place. I owe it to them to trust them to come through for me when we need it most.
Not that long ago, I thought the biggest leap I’d ever make was crossing the continent to marry into the imperial family. I thought the only person whose life I’d be risking for my plans was my own.
I never could have imagined the precarious territory I’ve found myself venturing into now, but my plans haven’t changed. If I want to see the empire’s people free and safe, I have to keep going.
Everyone who’s agreed to come with me has accepted those risks for themselves too. I can’t let myself forget that.
As if influenced by my thoughts, Bastien speaks in a low tone. “I could ride ahead toward Cotea and prepare them for the strategy. Whichever officers my father has sent with the troops might listen to me faster than Darium representatives.”
Conflicting jabs of anxiety pierce through me: the fear of seeing him leave clashing with my worries about our schemesgoing wrong. But it isn’t just the Cotean soldiers we need to think of.
I shake my head. “I need you here for everything we’re going to attempt. At some point… I have to trust that my allies will cooperate without special persuasion.”
Or we’re most likely doomed regardless.
We don’t have to ride far. Knowing we’d be sending them off soon, Axius assembled the illusionary experts and the associates who’ve volunteered to attempt to merge gifts with them in one of the military camps set up around the city walls—the one closest to the Kosmelian temple.
The high commander nudges his stallion to a gallop to arrive a little ahead of the rest of us. The camp is mostly empty now as the main force has moved north, but several tents and a few covered wagons remain. When I rein my horse to a stop at the edge, our hastily assembled company has gathered in front of me.
Most of my companions dismount, but I stay in the saddle where I can see everyone’s faces. Along with the eleven illusionary experts are familiar faces like Baronissa Hivette’s, whose gift for transmitting images we’re hoping will extend the distance and breadth of her partner’s mirages, and Calvus the harpist, whose gift for projecting and intensifying sound seems to be able to combine with illusions in similar ways.
They could have stayed in the palace and hoped to remain far from any fighting, but they’re here. I’m not going to let any of them down.
“We have a divine mandate for our plan, delivered by Kosmel in all his impressive trickery,” I announce. “We’re going to hide the foreign soldiers right before our enemies’ eyes, making them believe the newcomers are more Darium troops on their side. We’ll send you with as many actual uniforms as you can carry to help bolster the illusion, but most of the deception will depend on you. HighCommander Axius will give you further instructions on who will head to which region and how to best make your approach.”
Everyone nods, the soldiers with a spark in their eyes that makes me think they’ve been eager to finally put their skills to full use. Hivette squares her shoulders, nervous but determined.
Gods, I hate to think how her wife will worry while she’s off on this perilous quest.
Because I’d feel like a villain not to, I add one more remark. “Remember what we told you about the possible consequences of combining gifts. Don’t push your magic until you’re coming within view of any of Valerisse’s forces. And if you’ve had second thoughts about attempting it at all, please let us know. I wouldn’t order you to risk another sacrifice.”
Not a single person budges from their cluster. If anything, their expressions turn more defiant.
Calvus offers a hard grin. “The traitors aren’t getting away with this. I’m looking forward to finding out how far I can stretch my talents to protect the empire.”
A murmuring of approval follows his words.
After the preparation Axius has already given them, it takes less than an hour before all pairs are ready to ride out. I stay at the camp to see them off. As the stable hands who’ve come out with their steeds start distributing the horses, Calvus ambles over to where I’m standing with the princes.
He offers me a respectful bow. “Never thought I’d see a time when even a musician could help win a war, but I’m glad for the chance, Your Imperial Highness.”
My lips twitch upward at his wry tone. “I’m grateful for your willingness to attempt it. We’ll miss your music until you return.”
“You’ll have plenty of other good company in themeantime.” His gaze darts over the princes, and Neven’s posture tenses.
He and the harpist had some kind of relationship for several weeks during last year’s coronation tour. Are there lingering hard feelings?
