Page 26 of Surrender

Chapter Eighteen

“That’s theirplan?”

Talia realized she was shouting and lowered her voice. “They’ve already stormed the palace once. Balam will be expecting them. They need to do something to keep him occupied. If the leader of the Tabun is out of the picture, his men will have no one in charge. In the heat of battle, they’ll make stupid mistakes.”

She strode back and forth in Astrid’s room, waving her arms as she ranted. “Get me in to see him. I’ve got to be in that strategy session before they ride out.”

“I’m not sure that’s wise. My brother won’t be inclined to take advice from one of the womenfolk.” Astrid’s voice took on a placating tone. “After all, what do female know of battle?”

“What do we know of battle?” Talia’s tone grew hard. “I spent fifteen years at the academy studying the greatest conflicts ever fought in the universe. Listening to me can mean the difference between life and death for your brother – and your husband.”

* * *

The doors to the great hall flew open. A servant rushed in, bowing and trembling.

“I’m sorry, my lord. I know you said you weren’t to be disturbed, but her excellency was insistent.”

Talia strode in after him. She’d found a scarlet cloak somewhere and fastened it in front to cover those magnificent tits. It flowed behind her as she headed for the assembled warriors.

Kylar waved the anxious attendant away. “It’s all right, Ivar. I know how persuasive the lady can be.”

She stopped in front of him and inclined her head slightly. Annoyed as he was, he felt a touch of amusement. That was probably as good an acknowledgment of his royal status as he’d ever get from her.

“I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but I must speak with you on a matter of grave importance.” She waved a hand at the startled faces of the warriors. “To all of you – if I have your leave.” She made a half bow, but he suspected it was only to placate the others.

Gunnar’s face looked thunderous at the intrusion of a female on the proceedings. “Can it not wait? We are in the midst of preparations for battle.”

“That’s why I’m here. You cannot proceed with your plan.”

Kylar’s voice grew cold. “May I remind you, your appointment as ambassador is merely a symbolic post. The Interstellar Federation has no business meddling in affairs of state on Gadolinium. And even if it did, we would never take counsel from a female. You know nothing of warfare.”

“I know your plan will fail.”

A rumble broke out, the Vikings all shouting at once.

Kylar shot to his feet, his anger fully roused, and raised his voice to be heard over the din. “Enough! Leave us now, before my patience with you is fully exhausted. Or by all the gods, I’ll put you over my knee here and now.”

“Balam will be expecting a full-on attack. You need to employ the Kyrillian subterfuge.” Ignoring his wrath, she went on. “Do you know the story of the Trojan horse? Unable to breach the city walls of Troy and rescue their kidnapped queen, the ancient Greeks pretended to accept defeat and sail away. They left a parting gift for their enemies outside the walls. A giant wooden horse.

“The Trojans took the gift into the city. That night they celebrated their victory. But hidden inside the horse was a team of soldiers. When the Trojans fell asleep, they came out and opened the gates. Their comrades stormed the city, slaughtered every last man, and rescued their queen.”

Haldor nodded. “She speaks the truth. As a child, I heard a similar tale from one of our elders.”

Talia gave him a nod in acknowledgment and continued. “On Earth, men and women who aspire to the diplomatic corps study the greatest battles ever fought. We learn to think like history’s famous generals, kings, and conquerors. Diplomacy is important. But if peace talks fail, you’ll be at war whether you want to or not.” She paused and gazed around the room, locked eyes with every warrior. “And when you go to war, you’d better know every way there is to win.”

“Let her have her say, brother. If she makes no sense, I’ll drag her to you and bend her over your knee myself.” Haldor’s tone was stern, but Kylar saw him give Talia a wink. He wondered how much Irna had shared with Haldor about what had gone on in the caverns under the palace. It wasn’t like the warrior to defer to a female for any reason.

“Speak, then. But be quick about it. We ride at dawn.”

“Before I left Earth, scientists put a device inside my head that allows me to understand other languages. Faultlessly. Without years of study. I’ve overheard Balam talking to his warriors. They all spoke freely around me, never guessing I could understand their words. Balam is very intelligent. But he chooses the men around him for their brawn, not their brains. He alone makes all the decisions. They follow. Cut off the head of the snake and the body will writhe helplessly on the ground.”

Kylar saw heads nodding around the table. “What is this Kyrillian subterfuge of which you speak?”

“Balam is seething right now, furious with me because I made him look the fool in front of half the galaxy. He’d love nothing more than to bring me to my knees, this time forever. The Kyrillians sent a lone female behind enemy lines. She literally cut the head off the alien who threatened her people.”

“Are you suggesting we send you out alone to do battle with Balam?” Kylar asked, incredulous.

“Not battle. I’m going to allow him to capture me again.”

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