It’s a easy, easy query, no pleading or cajoling. However I can see within the pressure on her face how a lot she wants me to face by her proper now.

And I do know all the way down to the core of me that I’d comply with this lady proper over the sting of the world if she requested me to.

“Sure,” I say. “No matter it’s. Simply inform me what you want.”

Earlier than she will reply, footsteps rustle outdoors. Stavros seems within the doorway, his hair rumpled from his experience, his expression unreadable.

A flicker of hope rises in my chest—that perhaps he’s seen 1000’s of royal troopers already arriving to defend the king or proof of another response that’ll make no matter hazard Ivy’s planning to hurl herself into pointless.

“Any information?” I ask.

The twist of his mouth makes my coronary heart sink once more earlier than he even speaks. “The native forces are clearly extra on the alert, however with the numbers at the moment stationed right here, I’m unsure how a lot of a protection they’ll present. From what I overheard, there are reinforcements on their approach, however they’re greater than a time out.”

“Too far,” Ivy murmurs, and focuses on him. “The scourge sorcerers are attacking earlier than daybreak tomorrow. However Casimir was simply reminding me that generally enemies can change into allies. I believe we will set a lure that would imply the tip of the Order of the Wild—or not less than, of any likelihood of them harming the royal household tomorrow.”

Stavros lifts his eyebrows. “What’s that?”

Ivy’s gaze slides to me. She takes my hand. “I’m going to want all of your abilities for placing individuals comfortable, Cas. We’ll must win just a little belief from each the scourge sorcerers and a bunch of Darium troopers.”

A distinct type of glow types in my chest. I do not know the place she’s going with this, however my reply stays the identical. “Any expertise I’ve is yours as properly. What’s this lure we’re going to put?”

Thirty-9

Stavros

The sight of the Darium phrases marching throughout the paper makes my pores and skin tighten up although I do know it was a pal and never one of many enemy who wrote them.

I fought the pricks who wish to take our nation for themselves for years—attempting to assume as if I’m one in every of them is nauseating.

However proper now, they may very well be the important thing to destroying a way more quick risk.

Along with his scholarly information of the language, Alek was the apparent alternative to put in writing the false letter. I coached him via the content material with my understanding of the Darium forces and their curiosity in Silana, whereas Casimir guided the subtler points of our phrasing.

We want the letter to sound convincing but in addition not overly pointed. Something too blatant may increase suspicions of it being a pretend.

We settle for your enchantment in trade for the stake we’re owed in Silana. If the flag in your fort a mile west of the place the three pines stand on the Seafell’s financial institution is burnt by the second bell of the morning, we’ll cross to the pines and convey the merchandise by the means you requested. Any deviation out of your promise, and the deal will probably be forfeit.

Emperor Tarquin seems to be ahead to reestablishing a partnership that advantages us each. On this alliance, you do the continent proud, King Konram.

Ivy paces on the different finish of the deserted outpost’s predominant room. “Julita is aware of that not less than Borys can learn Darium, so the Order of the Wild will work out what it says. Would their military positively write to our king in that language?”

I nod. “I don’t know if any of the Order members are acquainted sufficient with our former conquerors to pay attention to this reality, however the empire has at all times introduced their very own language as superior to all others. They wouldn’t wish to cope with King Konram except he was prepared to have interaction with them on their very own phrases.”

Casimir pokes his head via the doorway. “The horses are saddled. Are you proud of the letter?”

Completely satisfied isn’t the phrase for it.

“I believe it ought to be convincing together with the present you and Alek will placed on,” I say, and hand it over to him. “Be sure you’re cautious about the way you drop it—it has to look utterly unintended.”

Casimir grins. “Ivy could also be our knowledgeable at stealth, however I can pull off just a little slight of hand. It’s unlucky how a little bit of wind can snag on a chunk of paper that’s jostled from a pocket with onerous using.”

Ivy rubs her fingers collectively. “All proper. You’d higher go so we’ve as a lot time as potential to catch a scout.”

She glances at Rheave, who’s been watching the proceedings with quiet curiosity. “And you must ensure that they don’t see you fireplace the arrow.”

He hefts his bow eagerly. “I’ll climb so excessive up a tree it’ll soar proper over the tops.”

Alek tugs on the hood of his cloak. He’s obtained it draped significantly far ahead so it’ll cover the scarred facet of his face, however I can inform he’s nervous. “We’ve labored out all the main points. It ought to be easy sufficient.”

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