Page 63 of Kept

“History repeats itself. The last time Nor Doru went to war with Sithistra, the elven empire sought to rule us both. The elves failed, which opened the Rift and gave us the Thicket.” Laurent looked around the table, meeting each person’s eyes. “We can’t afford to wage a protracted battle with the South. That’s exactly what Midian wants. Only this time, he doesn’t plan to fail.” Laurent reached out and swept the trees aside, leaving the border between Eldenvalla and Wesyfedd open. “If the Thicket falls, none of us will survive. No humans. No vampires. Everyone in Ter Isir will die.”

A tense silence fell, the weight of the world descending upon the chamber.

Drago was the first to speak, his gruff, no-nonsense voice somehow soothing after the heavy moment. “We’ll do whatever you ask of us, Your Grace. For you. For Nor Doru. We are yours to command.”

Laurent nodded. “I’m grateful, Captain. And I agree with Lord Lar Bassa that we shouldn’t invade with our full forces. Rellan knows how to fight a traditional battle. He’ll expect swords.” Laurent turned his head and smiled softly at Given. “So we’ll give him the unexpected.”

Given returned his smile with a soft one of her own.

“Lega gave you the bly’ad for still.”

“Yes,” she said.

“With Doru’s gift, I can kill without tiring, but it could be a challenge getting across the Bleak Pass.” Laurent pointed to the tiny strip of wood that represented the Pass. “Rellan has massed his forces on the Sithistran side on purpose. He knows we have to cross the Pass to invade. We have to expect the South to be guarding it closely. All it takes is one Sithistran Green Guard knocking me into the Rift for our plan to fail.” He looked at Given. “Would you consider using your bly’ad to immobilize any southern soldiers guarding the Pass?”

Her eyes went wide. “You’d let me do this?”

“I have to think Lega gave you her bly’ad for a reason.” He hesitated, and his next words emerged stiffly. “Just because I believe you’re meant to do this, my lady, doesn’t mean I like it. If I had my way, you would remain behind in the palace.” A bemused look entered his eyes. “But I seem to recall you telling me you only follow orders you agree with.”

Radu snorted, then quickly covered it with a cough.

Given’s eyes twinkled. “I agree with this one.”

Laurent nodded. “If you use your bly’ad to immobilize the men guarding the Pass, I can cross quickly and start the attack.”

She swallowed. “You mean start killing.”

“Yes,” he said simply. “It’s war. The South didn’t hesitate to slaughter our people in the streets.”

Her gaze hardened, and I knew she was remembering the horrors she’d witnessed as the city fell. “I’ll do it.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

Drago cleared his throat. “You and the queen will need knights to provide cover, my king.” He looked at me. “What do you think, General? Thirty knights from the Wastes?”

I nodded. “Thirty is a good number.” I leaned forward and pointed to a spot behind the mouth of the Bleak Pass. “We could lie in wait here while the king moves over the Rift. If he encounters any trouble, we’ll be ready to respond. Once he’s across, we’ll follow.”

“It’ll have to be on foot,” Radu said. “I wouldn’t risk a horse’s weight on that bridge.”

Drago grunted. “That works in our favor. We’ll be harder to spot on foot.”

“So we’ll follow behind the king and kill anyone who gets close to him.” I looked at Laurent. “Do you agree with that plan, Your Grace?”

“Yes.” Laurent’s shoulders lifted as he sighed. “I think it’s the best option. Our only option. Because if we don’t do this now, we’ll end up fighting a war on two fronts: one against Rellan and another against Midian. I don’t relish killing, but the alternative is losing everything.” His gaze fell on the scattered trees that covered the table. “I ignored the threat of the Thicket for a long time. Lord Varick tried to tell me it posed grave danger, but I refused to listen. I kept my eyes closed against the truth.” He looked at me. “My eyes are open now. I just have to hope it’s not too late.”

My heart pumped hard. Emotion clogged my throat, and I had to clear it before I could speak. “We’ll get you and Given to the Rift and we’ll protect your flanks after you cross. And when you’re done, we’ll get you both safely home.” Because if I lose either of you, I’ll die.

His silver eyes gleamed with emotion that reflected my own. “All right.”

Lar Bassa spoke up. “I’d like to ride with you, Lord Varick.” My surprise must have shown on my face as I swung toward him, because he flashed a self-deprecating smile. “I’m not a warrior, but I believe someone from the Council should go.” The humor in his eyes faded, replaced with a determined glint. “If our king and queen are riding to war, the Council should ride with them, even if only one member of the Council remains.” He looked at Laurent. “I am honored to have your trust, Your Grace. Allow me to have your back.”

Laurent’s tone held reverence as he said, “And I’m honored to have your loyalty, Lord Lar Bassa. You are welcome at my side.” He turned to me. “As long as Lord Varick agrees.”

I pinned Lar Bassa with a look. “You’ll follow every command or I’ll shove you in the Rift myself.”

He swallowed. “Yes, my lord.”

Radu grunted. “That’s settled, then. We go tonight.”

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