“With over three hundred vessels, are we sure we have enough experienced members to go out onto the Cursed Divide? I don’t want to lose lives simply because we were trying to send out as many ships as possible with new recruits.”
“The captains have been vetted. Outside of our military captains are recruited sailors who usually run large fishing boats, and they’re used to being off the coast within the waters of the Cursed Divide,” he explained, seeming to understand my concern. “We were quite lucky to have many volunteers from the coastal regions.”
I nodded in understanding, feeling a sense of relief at his words, as Elijah motioned for Commander Maz to sit down before looking toward the man next to him. “Thank you, Maz. Commander Striker, how are our elite teams faring?”
“Ready to leave ahead of the fleet,” he said as he stood, offering me the same inclination of the head that Commander Maz had. “They will scout the waters ahead of us to ensure smooth sailing.”
“Thank you.” Elijah nodded before looking toward the rest of the room and then down at me. “It appears that we have smooth sailing ahead of us. The skies are currently clear, and there hasn’t been any sign of approaching storms.”
“And if they aren’t clear? If the skies don’t stay calm?” One of the Lords asked with a huff of breath. “The Cursed Divide isn’t known for its pleasant weather.”
“If we run into bad weather,” Elijah started as he looked at him, “there are plenty of options, depending on how bad the storm is. Hopefully, we will be able to see any storm coming, especially without obstacles on the horizon. If that’s the case, we can try to evade it. Also, our ships are constructed for sailing rough waters for long periods of time. I have no doubt they will be fine, but we will keep our eyes on the skies.”
“It sounds like we have most everything ready to go,” I said, drawing everyone's attention. “What is our plan once we arrive?”
“Tristan has an idea.” Elijah motioned to the man in question. “While drafting plans, he pointed out that the harbor is the easiest access into the kingdom, and even though it's a straightforward attack, it will allow for several important aspects to come into play. Tristan if you would like to explain your thoughts.”
Tristan offered me a small nod and motioned toward one of the maps on the table. “If we attack directly at the harbor, not only do we have direct access to the castle, but our ships have nothing blocking them from pulling right into the harbor. It also stops the opportunity for someone like Malakai to try to escape. It is likely that he will send all his troops running toward the shoreline for a fight, and our hope is that the people who don’t want to fight will run out of the city and away from the battle, so they won’t get hurt.”
Suddenly Barnabus’ voice sounded in my head.Is that him? The one you have chosen for your right hand.
I couldn’t respond but offered a singular nod that I hoped would come off as me answering his question as well as paying attention to the conversation.
I like his priorities. They are focused around saving lives, not ending them.
I was thrilled that Barnabus seemed to have a good impression of Tristan.
“I think we need to work out a way to aid those individuals,” I suggested before adding, “but I understand that it will be hard to fully get a scope on how to do that until we arrive. I merely want to emphasize to everyone here that this is, as Myrin said, a rescue mission as well as a war. There are people who have suffered under Malakai’s hand for far too long that are not aiding him willingly. It's our job to end this tyranny.”
Tristan gave a brisk nod and continued, “While we are sailing, I will try to fill in any of the blanks on this map from what I can remember. I am hoping we can find a place that will allow for an easy exit for all of those wishing to leave the Thaician Empire.”
“Thank you, Tristan,” I offered a grateful smile. “That would be extremely helpful.”
I turned to look at Elijah then, who stood next to me watching all the lords with a critical eye. If I had to guess, it was something that my two other men were probably doing as well.
“Is there anything else we need to cover before leaving?”
I had no problem openly asking for guidance and help in these meetings. Remembering Myrin's journal entry lent me much strength in showing that it was okay to not know everything. Arrogance and conceit had no place in my mind.
“Not that I can think of,” Elijah responded.
“I have a question.” My gaze snapped to the same portly man from yesterday—the one who was ridiculously condescending. I almost wished he hadn’t bent the knee, just so we could get rid of him.
“And what is that?” I asked dryly.
“Our Empire has just lost their ruler. There are plenty of trusted officials staying here while you are gone pursuing this war. Who will lead in your stead?” It was a good question, and something that I had all but decided on—although I probably needed to confirm that the individual was interested in the opportunity.
Before I could respond, Tristan’s face contorted in concern at the sound of crying from out in the hall. Instantly, he was at the doors, throwing them open as Rina practically flew across the room and into his arms.
My chest squeezed as she hugged him fiercely, tears flowing down her face, and I could just make out her saying something about not wanting him to leave. It wasn’t her words that truly upset me, though. No, what upset me was some of the lords watching the interaction with distinct disapproval.
Their distaste only seemed to grow as Bailey strode into the room, offering me an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry, Empress,” she said as she dipped her chin. “Rina found out that you were sailing today and wanted to see him.”
“Do not apologize for that.” I made my opinion as clear as possible on the situation, hating how formal she felt like she had to be to me in front of others—even if it was a sign of respect. Bailey was one of the strongest women I had ever met—having made the decision to cross the Cursed Divide and risk everything for her family—she was an empress in her own right even if she didn’t wear a crown.
Which brought me back to the question at hand.
“Actually, Bailey, I’m glad you’re here.” I looked toward the lord who had asked the earlier question about who would rule in my absence. “If she is willing, this is the woman who will lead and take on the daily responsibilities of being Empress in my absence. She will hold the position as we go to war, and she will be treated and respected as if she wears the crown herself.”
