Page 147 of The Orc's Captive Bride
She could feel his tension. His fear for her. His absolute determination to protect her.
My fierce warrior. So certain he’s not worthy. So wrong.
Ulric’s advisors peppered her with practical questions. Supply routes. Timing. Contingencies.
She answered them all. Drew on that deep well of knowledge that wasn’t hers but was becoming more familiar with each passing hour.
And slowly, a plan emerged.
They would leave in two days. Travel north through a narrow pass into the plains. Reach the stone circle in three days of hard riding.
Perform the first ritual. Cleanse the convergence point. Purify the ley lines.
Then turn south. Race toward Kel’Vara. Arrive on the night of the full moon.
Infiltrate the city during Lasseran’s ritual. When his attention was focused inward. When his power was stretched thin.
Strike at the heart of his magic. Reverse the corruption. Restore the balance.
And hopefully survive.
Lots of room for error in this plan. Lots of ways it could go wrong.
But also one narrow path to victory.
One chance to change everything.
“We’ll need fast horses,” Egon said. Studying the route. “And light packs. Can’t afford to be weighed down.”
“Agreed.” Khorrek’s finger traced the mountain pass. “This route is treacherous. But it’s the fastest way to the plains.”
“And the least likely to encounter patrols,” Wulf added. The massive orc had joined them halfway through. Quiet. Observant. “Lasseran’s forces are concentrated at the Fanged Gate. He’s not watching the northern passes.”
“Because they’re supposed to be impassable,” Jessamin said. Her blue eyes were thoughtful. “Which makes them perfect.”
“If we don’t break our necks,” Egon muttered.
“Have faith,” Lyric said lightly. “The Old Gods are watching.”
“The Old Gods better provide good weather too. Those passes are death traps in rain.”
“I’ll pray for sunshine then.”
Despite the tension, Thea felt her mouth curve. There was something about Lyric’s gentle humor that made everything seem less dire.
She’s been through her own hell. Found her own way through. And she’s still kind.
The planning continued. Details refined. Contingencies discussed.
Thea noticed something interesting. Khorrek and Egon worked together seamlessly. Anticipating each other’s thoughts. Building on each other’s strategies.
Brothers. Not by blood, but by choice.
And it made them both stronger.
Finally, as the night deepened toward dawn, Ulric called a halt.
“Enough. You need rest. All of you.” His golden eyes swept over them. “You leave in two days. Use the time to prepare. To train. To be ready.”
