“What if we didn’t attack at all?” I muse aloud.
Luc raises his brow. “You want to let them sit there and grow stronger?”
“No,” I say, a plan forming in my mind. “We make them come to us.”
“How?”
I stand as I explain. “We’ll spread rumors that we’re abandoning our camp, retreating back to Astarobane. Make it look like we’re leaving Karra undefended.”
Luc nods, catching on. “And when they move to take the city...”
“We’ll be waiting,” I finish.
I grab the map and haul it closer. “Luc, I need you to take a small force and set up camp here.” Withmy index finger, I point to a spot on the map. “Make it look like we’re preparing to leave. Light plenty of fires, be visible.”
“All right,” Luc says. “I can do that.”
“Gabriel and Liam will lead the main force. They will hide in the forests here and here.” I indicate a spot shadowing the pass. “When Alvina’s forces move through, we’ll trap them between us.”
My heart races, knowing there’s more to my plan, but I’m not ready to reveal it all. Some parts are too risky, too dependent on factors I can’t control yet. For now, this will do.
“What about the Calcites and their air magic?” Luc asks.
I smile, thinking of the countermeasures I have in mind. “I have a plan for them, but we’ll discuss that later. For now, focus on preparing your men for a stealth operation.”
As Luc turns to leave, I add, “Keep this between us for now. The fewer who know, the better our chances of success.”
“I will,” Luc say says he leaves the tent.
The moment I’m all alone with Everly, I shift to meet her eyes.
She shoves her hair behind her ears. “What?”
“I want you to do something for me. Go to Morwen’s tent. Say something about overhearing us talking about setting up camp somewhere else.”
“Why?”
“Because I want you to.”
A hint of uncertainty clouds her features, but she still nods at me.
If things go how I plan, I will be laying the perfect trap. Well, that is, if Everly can execute it the way I want.
Chapter
Fifty-Eight
EVERLY
Knots tightenin my stomach as I drag my feet toward Morwen’s tent. Cenric’s watchful gaze burns into my back, reminding me of the charade I’m about to perform.
I gulp in a quick breath, then push aside the flap and step inside. Morwen, Ava, Brennah, and Feyona look up from their work, surprise crossing their faces at my unexpected entrance.
“Hello,” I say with a smile. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”
Morwen continues chopping carrots as she speaks. “Not at all, child. What brings you here?”
I fidget with the hem of my sleeve. “Well, I heard a rumor about us possibly moving camp soon, and I wanted to say that I really like it here. I wish we didn’t have to go.”
