Page 98 of The Princess of Nothing
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
The day started likeany other. Gray clouds rolled in from the north, bringing with them a constant cover from the sun. Mountains surrounded us, and beyond them were lakes so deep, some believed they went on forever.
“We have our people stationed at the mountains,” Adius said, holding his helmet in his hands. “The fae have set glamour traps on the path through Snowy Peaks. Our soldiers have been alerted to them.” He sat on a stone step in front of a tall, narrow house. “I have sent a small number to the five beaches where they may be able to dock. We don’t think they will send many by ship. As for Edgar, we’ve heard nothing.”
“Nothing?” I asked. “At all?”
He shook his head. “Crickets.”
“That’s not good.” I pressed my lips together. “Is he at Ash Court still?”
“No. We know he left the castle two days ago. He would have reached here by now, unless...” His gaze darkened. “They’re setting a trap. He must be hiding. I would bet in the forest at the border.”
“Or by ship,” I said. “We can’t rule it out.”
“The sea is treacherous and unpredictable, especially with the mer.”
“Not if they know the mer aren’t attacking.”
“It’s still risky.”
I inhaled sharply. “Send more men to the smallest beach. If I were him, it’s where I’d go. No one would be expecting it.”
Adius nodded. “I agree. I’ll send more there. As for the women...” he said, tugging at the top of his shirt. “Several hundreds have joined.”
I gasped. It was far more than I’d hoped. “Really? Of their own accord?”
“Many seemed excited to fight.” He looked uncomfortable. “We have trained them alongside the men, just as you ordered.”
“This is good. They want to fight for their kingdom, and now they can.”
“Of course. I’ve come to terms with this. Sometimes, one-time exceptions can be made in dire circumstances like this.”
I didn’t reply. How could I possibly say I hoped I could continue allowing women to fight once we’d reclaimed Magaelor? I’d need to get votes from the lords though, and that would be my most difficult task. I needed to become a diplomat. Be convincing. “How is the training going?” I asked, changing the subject back to the men.
“We have some of the best generals,” he said proudly. “They have excellent techniques they’re sharing. Once we’ve finished, we can begin stage two.”
“Stage two?” I asked. “Edgar will attack any day now. We don’t have time.”
“We are going as fast as we can. Many of these people are farmers, merchants, sailors, fishermen, labor workers, and maids, not trained soldiers.”
I gulped. “Do what you can.”
