Page 82 of Blood Weaver
“I've been thinking about it.” I pointed to a narrow pass marked on the map. “This is the most direct route they could take if they decide to attack. You could use the terrain to your advantage. Set up a diversion here,” I pointed to a thickly wooded area, “and when they're drawn to it, your forces can flank them from both sides.”
A slow smile spread across Caelan's face. “It's bold, but it'll only work if they believe the diversion is our main defense. We need something to catch their attention and hold it long enough for our forces to get into position.”
“What about fire?” I suggested. “A large bonfire, or maybe some makeshift fireworks. It'll draw their attention and give the illusion that you're celebrating, blissfully unaware of their approach.”
“That's good.” Caelan nodded. “It will require precise timing. Our soldiers must be in position before they light the fires, and we need scouts on the lookout, ensuring we know the exact moment the Crimson Clan approaches.”
I raised one shoulder. “I can help with that. Once they reach this point,” I pointed to a passage on the map, “I can send up a flare.”
Caelan’s brows furrowed and he narrowed his eyes at me. “How do I know this isn’t a trick and you’re not actually working for the Crimson Clan?”
“I wish I could say something that would ease your worry, but I can’t … at least not yet,” I offered. “Just know that the Crimson Clan is my enemy and I want them defeated as much as you do … possibly even more.”
I wanted to tell Caelan I was Lyanna, the one he’d searched for all these years, but now wasn’t the time. I also didn’t want to distract him with that revelation when he was about to go to battle.
The look on my face was earnest, my tone pleading. “I know you don’t have any reason to trust me, but could I ask you to just this once?”
Caelan studied me intently, his piercing hazel eyes searching for any hint of deceit. The tension in the tent was palpable, with only the crackling fire and the distant hum of the camp's activities punctuating the silence. After an interminably long time, he finally spoke.
“Leila, the stakes are high. You're asking me to trust you at a moment when any mistake can cost us dearly. But I sense sincerity in your eyes, and perhaps … familiarity? There's something about you that's hard to ignore.”
I swallowed but kept quiet.
He sighed and ran a hand through his silver hair. “I've been wrong before, and it's cost me. But sometimes, we have to trust our gut. I'll give you this chance, Leila. But remember, any treachery you inflict upon us will not only endanger us, but you as well.”
I nodded, relieved by his decision but aware of the gravity of the situation. “I understand, Your Highness. I promise you won't regret this.”
With an understanding nod, he turned back to the maps. “Alright, then. Positions need to be finalized, and our scouts need to be briefed. Let's get everything in place. We don’t have much time.”
The next fewhours were consumed by preparing for the upcoming battle. I coordinated with Valoria’s scouts, ensuring they knew the importance of the flare's timing. Caelan, alongsidehis trusted generals, set about deploying troops and ensuring every contingency was accounted for and addressed.
As the night wore on, a sense of impending confrontation hovered in the air. Everyone could feel it—the oncoming storm that would decide the fate of Valoria. As I stood at my lookout point and watched the distant horizon for any signs of movement, I hoped that when dawn broke, we would stand victorious, after turning the tables on the Crimson ClanandKeldara.
As the moon rose to its zenith and cast a pale glow over the landscape, tension among the Valorian forces reached a crescendo. Every soldier and scout was on high alert, their senses tuned to any sign of the Crimson Clan.
I remained vigilant at my post. Though the cold night air bit my skin, I couldn't afford to shiver—not when so much depended on my precise attention to detail. Every shadow and rustle in the underbrush had to be noted, every possible threat assessed.
Caelan positioned his troops strategically, hidden away from prying eyes but ready to strike at a moment's notice. The camp appeared quiet, almost deserted to the untrained eye. But I knew better.
Then, it happened—a subtle shift in the wind, a faint echo of movement from the east. I strained my eyes and peered into the darkness. There it was again—a stealthy rustle, followed by the soft thud of footfalls on the forest floor. The Crimson Clan was approaching, unaware their presence had been detected.
My heart raced as I reached for the flare. This was the moment of truth. I ignited it and the bright light shot into the sky, bursting in a shower of sparks that illuminated the darkness. There was no turning back now.
The Crimson Clan continued on their path for several more minutes until they were surrounded. Then, the Valorian army attacked.
The sound of steel against steel rang out and commands were yelled from both sides. Magic filled the air as Valorian mages did battle from the vantage point of having the upper hand. The conflict erupted into a cacophony of chaos and power, a dance of flashing blades and arcane explosions. The Valorian mages chanted incantations that sent shockwaves through the ranks of the Crimson Clan.
I watched as the Valorian forces maintained their formations, each unit moving as one under the cover of their mages' power. The battlefield was a living, breathing entity of warcraft, and every soldier was a vital organ within it.
Despite being caught by surprise, the Crimson Clan was a formidable foe. They were warriors at heart. Even though they didn’t have any magic, they were much stronger than the average human, thanks to their demon blood.
I watched from above as Ronan sped through the passageway on horseback. Silas and others followed suit as they charged for the heart of the battlefield … where Prince Caelan fought. I watched in horror as Ronan aimed his double swords for the killing blow. Jumping down from my vantage point, I knocked a rider off their horse and slung my leg over the saddle.
With a hard yank on the reins, I pushed the horse to its limits and raced toward Caelan. Once I was close enough, I extended my hand toward Ronan and made a fist as I took hold of the blood running through his veins. He pulled his horse’s reins and halted as his swords tumbled from useless hands. He groaned and wavered in the saddle.
It was now or never. If I wanted to protect Caelan, if I wanted to protect my people, I couldn’t hide anymore.
Summoning the full force of my will, I squeezed my hand tighter and channeled the potent blood magic that ran through my veins. It required every ounce of concentration, for controlling the very life force of another was a perilous endeavor.
