Page 81 of Blood Weaver
“Free Selene,” I said, walking backward. “Get her to safety and I’ll meet you at the inn near the Silent Mountains.”
“Leila …” he muttered.
But my mind was made. I spun on my heels and ran north toward the Valorian camp.
The forest floor was uneven,and roots and stones threatened to trip me with every hurried step. But determination fueled my pace. My heart raced and pumped enough adrenaline through my veins to speed my journey. Each labored breath reminded me of the looming danger and the weight of the responsibility I now bore.
I heard the Keldaran camp in the distance, the shouts and clinking armor growing fainter. But the sound was deceptive. A well-coordinated attack would move swiftly and stealthily. I had to reach the Valorian camp before they did.
Moonlight filtered through the trees, casting an eerie glow over the forest. Shadows shifted and danced, playing tricks on my mind, but I couldn’t afford to be distracted now. My sole focus was reaching the Valorian camp in time.
I finally broke free from the trees into a clearing that signaled the proximity of the Valorian camp. Lofty watchtowers lorded over camp as wary guards patrolled the perimeters. I slowed and approached carefully, not wanting to be mistaken for the enemy.
“Halt! Who goes there?” a guard shouted as he caught sight of me.
“I have urgent news for Prince Caelan!” I called out, my hands raised in surrender. He eyed me hesitantly and several other soldiers approached, looking at me cautiously. “Tell him Princess Lyanna wishes to see him!” I yelled, launching a chorus of startled gasps from everyone in the area.
“Send a message to His Highness!” the first soldier yelled to another one who stood nearby. With a sharp salute, the other soldier rushed off to inform Caelan of my arrival.
The soldiers, after a moment's hesitation, surrounded me in a protective circle, spears and swords at the ready. While their formation was intended to protect, it also served as a cage to prevent me from moving. Murmurs spread among them, whispers of disbelief and surprise echoing through the clearing.
“Princess Lyanna? Is it truly her?”
“I thought she was dead.”
“I've heard tales of her bravery and beauty.”
“This woman doesn’t have our crescent moon mark.”
“Surely this can’t be her!”
After a tense few minutes that felt like hours, the young soldier returned and whispered something to the one who seemed to be their leader. The guard hesitated for a moment before motioning for the others to make an opening for me. “Quickly, follow me.” Without another word, he led me towards the center of a cluster of tents.
The Valorian camp was abuzz with activity. Soldiers were preparing for night watches, checking their equipment, and chatting by the fires. But the air was tense, with an undercurrent of anticipation that signaled they were already aware of the impending threat.
I was ushered into a grand tent where Caelan sat at a table studying maps and a bundle of documents.
He looked up as I entered, surprise evident in his eyes. “Leila? What are you doing here?” he asked as he stood. “I thought—”
“I know what you thought …” Suddenly, I wasn’t ready to reveal my true self. “Sorry for fooling you, but I came to warn you,” I said urgently. “Keldara lied about their plans to attack tonight. They want to pit you against the Crimson Clan.”
Caelan's face hardened. “Sothat’swhat they’re hoping for.”
“After we … parted ways,” I raised a brow, “Mykal returned with soldiers and captured me. I’ve been in their camp all day, and I heard their plan,” I said, slightly out of breath. “They’re hoping that if they draw out the Valorian army, the Crimson Clan will make an appearance in hopes of collecting the spoils.”
“Making them attackusonce they realize Keldara didn’t show up,” Caelan finished.
I nodded. “Correct.”
Caelan grunted. “Commander Mykal Kaiser sure lives up to his wily reputation,” he murmured. “Regardless, we must prepare for an attack. The Crimson Clan doesn't play games. If they believe there's a chance they can get what they want, they'll strike hard,” Caelan said, his eyes scanning the maps on the table.
“You need to change your tactics,” I suggested. “Instead of waiting for them, lure them into a trap. Let them think they've caught you off guard.”
Caelan raised an eyebrow. “I thought Ronan was your friend,” he asked cautiously.
I snorted. “Yeah, I thought so, too. Unfortunately, he’s not who I thought he was.”
Caelan nodded, but he didn’t inquire further. “Your proposed strategy is risky, but it might just work. Do you have something specific in mind?”
