Page 60 of Aubade Rising
Swirling her wine glass thoughtfully, she continues. “By the time they reach Tanwen, they will be tired, disorganised and at risk of defeat from a desperate town with nothing to lose and no love for the King. The Admiral is arrogant; he won’t see the townspeople, or the rebels as a threat. That arrogance will cost them.” Her gaze travels to the window, staring out into the blackness before she continues, “I’m proposing that a small, select group of trained warriors, or perhaps only one, travels ahead to Tanwen, searches out Kitto and assassinates her. The rebels will fall into disarray without their leader and once the King and navy arrive, they will surrender. We can commandeer their supply of serpentine and return to Pentargon. Winter will still be brutal but having access to more magic, specifically Mordros magic via the serpentine crystals, will help the people survive until Spring.”
Kaens shifts on her perch, tucking her head further under her wing. Her plan is simple but I sense one flaw.
“How will you explain the disappearance of some of your best fighters? Did you say only one…?” my voice falters.
“That’s where you come in, Sage.” Her face twists into a dark grin. “I knew you wouldn’t like it.”
My stomach drops. “You want me to convince Eskar to go backto Tanwen, don’t you? He’s the best fighter we have.”
She nods. “Plus, he can identify Kitto; that is essential.”
“And if he fails?” I let the question hang in the air. The pause stretches out. Several candles flicker and drip wax onto the reams of paper and technical drawings on her desk.
“Then, as the King’s Admiral declares: the full force of Trevesiga’s Navy will annihilate the rebels while they sleep, and the townspeople that helped them.” Her voice is grim.
“In return, I want him released from his obligation as the King’s torturer. He will no longer be forced to use his attitude.”
“You want him to give up his position on the Concord?”
“No, that’s his decision to make. I want you and the King to promise he won’t be required to use his magic to harm people once this mission is over.”
Dervla peers at me. I hold my breath while she deliberates. “Agreed.”
Steely resolve fills my body; there will be no more bloodshed than absolutely necessary. After this, Eskar will be free.
“Tell me how to get to his rooms?”
Dervla nods but doesn’t smile as she explains.
Chapter 60
I bang loudly on Eskar’s door, not caring who hears me.
“Sage, what are you doing here?” Once he sees its me, he pulls the door wide. It’s late and I’ve dragged him from sleep. His chest is bare, hair dishevelled. The urge to run my hands through those soft strands almost distracts me.
“I came to find you. I’ve…” I’m suddenly ashamed that I negotiated something so critical without his permission or consent.
“I spoke with Dervla and with the King. They have a plan.”
He pulls me into his room. “I know,” he interrupts. “The King came by earlier; he wanted my opinion on infiltrating Tanwen.”
I can’t read his face, the political mask is in place. “Oh. What did you say?”
“That the town is impenetrable. The town gates are too high and well-manned. The mists mean you’d lose yourself rather than sneak in through that side. Then he suggested the old aqueduct channels…” He stops and pins me in place with those caramel eyes. “That was your idea, wasn’t it? There’s no way he could have come up with that on his own.”
“Haelyn’s, actually.”
He scoffs, “So, we’re going to take the advice of a prisoner?” He paces back and forth.
“She’s innocent. I know it. The King believes her too.” He’s not convinced, a crack slipping through his normal facade.
“What was so important that you had to tell me now? That you couldn’t wait until morning?”
“Dervla has given her word on behalf of the King. They have agreed to free you from using your attitude on condition youcomplete the mission in Tanwen and assassinate Kitto.”
He stills and the temperature in the room drops. I wonder if I’ve crossed some line, using his attitude as a bargaining chip.
“You made this agreement?”
