“But?” Perry leaned forward as far as he could without ending up on Reaver.
“There is a vault beneath. It appeared to be a hall of records.” He scratched his beard. “There could be something in there.”
“Can you check?” Excitement filled me. “After you’re done checking forgruls?”
“I’ll go ahead and answer for my father,” Perry said. “He will never pass up a chance to sort through some dusty tomes.”
Sven chuckled. “I’ve always said that knowledge gained in books wields a stronger sword.”
Murin frowned as he silently repeated the statement to himself.
“I will need help,” Sven continued. “Particularly from someone who can read old Atlantian.”
“Do you have someone in mind?” I asked.
“He does,” Perry said. “Me.”
“Perry can assist,” Casteel permitted.
“Thank you,” Sven replied. “Hopefully, I can find something. But until then?”
“Let’s start with what we know or are at least close to confident we know,” Lizeth suggested. “We suspect he’s in Pensdurth,” she said. “We already have soldiers and a draken there. We’ll join them. Take the city.” She cast a look around the table with a tight, almost feral smile. “And smoke the bastard out.”
“We don’t know what has occurred to the forces or the draken we sent there,” Gayla countered.
My hand fisted as I glanced at Casteel. His jaw was tight, but I picked up nothing from him. Meanwhile, I struggled to keep my concern from growing into full-blown anxiety.
“That’s even more reason to go,” Lizeth replied.
“I would think it would be more reason to be cautious.” Gayla countered.
“You would.” The wolven sat back, her glacial eyes glittering as they locked with equally hard golden ones.
“We have no idea what kind of state Kolis is in,” Kieran admitted, drawing both of their gazes. “He could still be in a non-corporeal state. Or he could be like you and me. That is information we need and can learn from those who were at Pensdurth when they return,” he continued. Tension crept into the muscles of my neck. “They should be back by tomorrow.”
“And if they can’t answer that question?” Sven asked.
“Then we go to Pensdurth,” Casteel stated.
Lizeth eyed Casteel, and then her gaze shifted to me. “And what do you think, Penellaphe?”
I forced my hands to unclench. “I think…” I swallowed, my throat dry. “I think waiting until we have all possible information is wise.”
Gayla started to smile.
“But I also believe waiting could mean we lose whatever advantage we may have if Kolisisn’tfully restored,” I continued. “Which is a huge advantage. We’ve already seen what he’s capable of with his will alone—something we cannot prevent if he desires to exert it again. Once he’s fully restored? It will be even harder to defeat him.”
Kieran said nothing, but I could feel his wariness growing. Casteel, though? Nothing bled from him. Not even from his tone when he spoke.
“What are you thinking?” he asked, his lashes lowered, shielding his gaze.
“I think we…are approaching Kolis in the same manner we strategized against Isbeth and the Blood Crown,” I started, speaking what I should’ve said before.
“And how would you suggest we plan?” Aylard questioned, drawing Reaver’s attention.
Because, of course.
“As if we’re dealing with an unpredictable Primal of Death who has been entombed for over a millennium and, therefore, likely a little bit crazed,” I said, my gaze moving to his. “And able to kill dozens without even being in the city—including children.”
