Page 77 of Feral Gods
"Alone?" Kaia asks, concern evident in her voice.
"It's what I do best," I remind her with a grim smile. "Hit hard, create chaos, withdraw strategically."
"And if you're overwhelmed?" Ravik challenges, though his tone suggests he already anticipates my answer.
"Then I'll ensure my last stand costs them dearly enough to buy you the time you need." I meet his gaze without flinching, warrior to warrior. "Sometimes victory requires sacrifice."
"No." Kaia's voice cuts through the tactical discussion with surprising authority. "No last stands. No sacrifices. We go together or not at all."
"Tactically unsound," Ravik counters, though without his former dismissiveness. "Dividing our forces creates multiple engagement points, forcing them to split their attention."
"Dividing our forces creates vulnerability," she argues, her conviction unwavering. "We're strongest together—not just physically, but magically. Zephyr's theory about breaking the curse depends on our unified energies, our connected purpose."
Her passionate declaration silences even Ravik, who studies her with newfound respect. The fire in her eyes, the certainty in her stance—she’s no longer a frightened slave. This is a woman growing into her power, claiming her voice, reshaping our collective destiny through sheer force of will.
"There may be another approach," Zephyr interjects into the thoughtful silence. "One that utilizes all our strengths without requiring suicidal heroics."
He gestures to the ancient text before him, turning it so we can see the illustrated pages. Intricate diagrams depict a complex series of chambers and mechanisms beneath a structure that resembles our original temple sanctuary.
"The temple wasn't merely a place of worship or study," he explains, scholarly enthusiasm animating his typically measured voice. "It was a nexus point in an extensive defense network built during the Height Wars, when dark elves and purna still fought as allies against the vrakken incursion."
"A weapons system?" Ravik leans closer, strategic interest piqued.
"More sophisticated than that." Zephyr traces the diagram with one careful talon. "A series of directed wildspont channels designed to redirect magical energy throughout the mountain range. Used correctly, it could create temporary disruptions in magical fields across the entire region."
"Disrupting the purna's abilities," I deduce, grasping the tactical implications immediately.
"And potentially destabilizing the curse's constraints during that disruption," Zephyr adds, his turquoise gaze meeting each of ours in turn. "A momentary window where we might implement the transformation ritual while our enemies are magically compromised."
Kaia's eyes widen with understanding. "We could break the curse and escape in one coordinated action."
"Theoretically," Zephyr cautions. "The system hasn't been activated in centuries. And redirecting wildspont energy carries significant risks to anyone in proximity to the focus points."
"What would we need to do?" Ravik asks, ever practical.
Zephyr indicates various points on the diagram. "The system requires simultaneous activation at three nexus points, followed by a primary channeling at the central focus—the altar chamber in our original sanctuary."
"The temple we just abandoned," I note grimly. "Now the likely campsite for our approaching enemies."
"Precisely why they won't expect us to return there," Ravik counters, tactical mind already adapting to this new information. "They'll assume we've fled deeper into the mountains, not doubled back to the very position they've claimed."
A slow smile spreads across my face as the audacity of the strategy becomes clear. "Not just bold. Insane. I approve."
"It will require perfect coordination," Zephyr warns. "Each of us activating a nexus point simultaneously, with Kaia serving as the central channel at the altar itself."
"Each of us?" Ravik's protective instinct surfaces immediately. "That would leave Kaia undefended during her approach to the altar."
"Not if we create sufficient distraction first," I suggest, the battle-plan solidifying in my mind. "I can lead a frontal assault here—" I indicate the main temple approach. "—drawing their primary forces away from the structure itself. You two can activate your nexus points from alternate approaches, creating the impression of a multi-pronged conventional attack."
"While I slip through this passage," Kaia adds, indicating a narrow ravine that leads to the temple's rear entrance. "Using the detection-blocking charm Zephyr crafted yesterday."
Ravik's expression remains dubious. "The risk to you?—"
"Is mine to accept," she interrupts firmly. "My choice, my power, my responsibility."
Their gazes lock in silent challenge Ravik's protective instinct battling against his newfound respect for her agency.After a tense moment, he nods, the gesture containing both acknowledgment and reluctant acceptance.
"Then we plan accordingly," he concedes. "But with contingencies for extraction if the situation deteriorates."
