Page 46 of The Dragonrider and the Void
“Yes,” Lark said. “We never executed it, but the plan wasn’t a trash-fire. It was solid and the one I preferred before Sasja took the astral lathe.”
“It wasn’t half bad, I guess,” Cheyanne admitted. “I have been working on something for some time in Astral City. We have laid the groundwork for setting up a more permanent organization there,” she hummed. Her gaze shifted from Lark to Venrick, then to Yarla, measuring them anew. “And with what you’ve just told me, I suppose we have little choice but to try.”
She moved to a chest in the corner of the tent, unlocking it with a key she pulled out of her robes. From inside, she withdrew a rolled parchment, yellowed with age but carefully preserved.
“You all know that I was once an instructor there,” Cheyanne said, spreading the parchment on the table next to the metal book to reveal detailed floor plans of Vermillion Keep.
“Yes, and not just because Ezra mentioned it several times. I remember now,” Lark said, memories continuing to surface. “You taught the history of elven magic to Squires and Pages.”
“For seven years,” Cheyanne confirmed. “Before I discovered the corruption at the heart of Lamar’s leadership. Before I realized they were working with Wintermire and Skol to predetermine where Hyalites would be allocated.”
Ezra leaned over the plans. “As a fellow instructor at Astral Paragon Academy, I can attest that these are remarkably detailed drawings of the Vermillion Keep.”
“I had them made in preparation for a different purpose. For years I’ve had people planted throughout Astral City laying the groundwork to flip the popular opinion of its leaders,” Cheyanne said.
“Several of them recognized me when I was there last,” Lark said, finally realizing why the dwarf and the orc had confronted her.
“Exactly. Ever since Ezra and I left the Academy our members have been spreading propaganda to sow the seeds of doubt in the Keep’s leadership,” Cheyanne said. “But as it seems time is not on our side, they may contribute to our only chance for success.” She looked at Lark, a new determination in her eyes. “If what you’ve told me is true, and this Entity threatens all of Sataran, then personal grudges must be set aside.”
Lark nodded, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. “Then let’s revise our plan. We don’t have much time.”
White Eye’s presence warmed in her mind, sending his approval. They moved in more closely around the table as Cheyanne began to outline the layout of Vermillion Keep, its guard rotations, and the secret passages she had discovered during her years there. Lark felt Venrick’s hand find hers beneath the table. She met his eyes, thankful for his support. She wondered briefly when she would get the opportunity to fucus on him, on what they meant to each other. But for now, his touch and presence were more than enough.
After rigorously outlining the details, Cheyanne said, “Does everyone know their assignment?”
Lark nodded, “The dragons will remain outside the wards at the ready while the rest of us go into Astral City under the cover of Ezra’s caravan. Cheyanne will take members of heralliance and escalate tensions throughout the Keep, causing a disturbance. The timing is good. The Coronation Festival will be underway in Astral City.”
“I completely forgot,” Venrick said with a chuckle. “The Coronation Festival was always the primary reason for Tel to take us far from the city. I’ve never properly seen what the city is like during the festivities.”
“It’s the perfect time to bring the dragons in close to the wards. The City Watch will be busy with the increased activity in the streets and less likely to venture out past the wall to investigate,” Ezra said.
“We’ll need to travel slowly, take our time to make sure no patrols see us approaching. It could take a few days even for those of us who are riding,” Lark said.
Cheyanne nodded. “That is best. It will give those of us on the ground more time to filter into the city. The people will be passing through the main gates in droves. Sneaking past shouldn’t be an issue.”
“With all the activity going on, there will be plenty of distractions in and around the Keep itself,” Lark agreed. “Yarla, can you work on supporting our operation?”
“I can,” she said. “And with the time we’ll have during the trek, the other Gambrian elves and I can create communication stones for us to use once we’re in the city.”
“Communication stones?” Lark asked.
“A secret recipe not often divulged to those outside Gambria,” Venrick said. “I’m not clear how they do it, but from what I understand, it requires the right size Yogo Sapphires to do.”
“As well as some creative rune-crafting that I won’t get into right now. Their usage will only go so far as they are charged with energy from Yogos. They’re small, but they should last,” Yarla said.
“Cheyanne, I understand you and Sasja will be working with agents in the city to leak documented reports about the King’s and the Magi Order’s involvement with Nordraven,” Lark said.
Cheyanne nodded.
“Meanwhile,” she continued. “Venrick and I will find a way to break through the Keep’s wards and penetrate the depths of the Keep in search of the sanctuary. That’s where the missing pages should be.”
“None of this is going to be easy,” Venrick said.
“But it’s possible,” Lark added.
The others murmured their agreement, and Ezra chimed in, “This would be easier if Hardin was here to alter the wards of the Keep.”
A horn blast cut through their planning session. Three short notes were followed by a sustained call that echoed through the camp. Cheyanne’s head snapped up.
