“It held significance for them,” Melodie finished.
Vivienne nodded. “We might find more answers at the tree.”
“And what’s your plan for the crew?” Cirrus asked, arms crossed.
“We split into two groups. A small team investigates the tree and the tribute while the larger group returns to the Zephyrus to secure provisions and treat the wounded.”
“Who’s in which group?” Captain Garrett asked.
“I need Cirrus for navigation, Lewis for plant identification and medical backup, and either you or Commander Thorne.”
“Just four of us?” Cirrus scoffed. “That sounds like a bad idea.”
Vivienne’s frustration simmered. “No, it’sstrategy.” She folded her arms. “In the year 721 of the Sapphire Age, the Kingdom of Ardenth faced invasion from Karnast. Their forces were outnumbered two to one. General Eleanor of the Silver Spears?—"
Cirrus rubbed his temples. “We don’t have time for a history lesson?—"
“Shut the everdark up, Cirrus!” Vivienne snapped.
Several of the officers flinched. Cirrus blinked in stunned silence.
She smoothed her tunic, centering herself. “Eleanor led a false retreat. She sent her army into the forest with great fanfare, making sure the Karnastian scouts sawthem. Meanwhile, she placed a small, elite force in the mountains. When Karnast advanced through the pass, thinking the Ardenthrians had fled, they were ambushed. Those who survived panicked and retreated, thinking the entirety of the Adrenthrian forces had reappeared to defend the pass.”
Commander Thorne’s eyes lit with understanding. “You want Enyo to believe we’ve left,so a small group can move unnoticed.”
Vivienne smiled in confirmation. “If he thinks we’ve given up and left, there’s nothing for him to ransack and no rival crew to compete with.”
Captain Garrett stroked his beard. “Four people can stay hidden far easier than thirty.”
Lewis snapped his fingers. “If we really want to sell it, we could move the Zephyrusout of sight, behind the cliffs.”
Silence settled over the group.
“Well?” Vivienne raised her shoulders. “What do you think?”
Captain Garrett’s grin spread wide. “My girl, I think you found your nerve.”
28
The decision was made. Vivienne, Lewis, Cirrus, and Commander Thorne would stay behind while Captain Garrett led the rest of the crew back to the Zephyrus.Garrett’s presence would steady morale, while Thorne’s skills were better suited for the land expedition. Cirrus estimated the tree was a half-day’s hike northwest, so they would depart at dawn, giving Enyo’s scouts ample time to watch their crew “retreat” and fall for the ruse.
As they finalized the plan, Thorne turned to Vivienne. “What else have we learned from the ruins?”
Vivienne pulled a few parchment rubbings from her satchel. “We took tracings of the carvings. While I don’t know this exact language, the characters resemble several I can read.”
Thorne’s gaze flickered with curiosity. “Miss Banner, how many languages do you know?”
She bit her cheek, thinking. “Seven… eight, including the common tongue—but I’m only fluent in five.”
Lewis sucked a breath through his teeth. “Onlyfive? What a slacker, Viv.” He gave her a playful wink.
Cirrus smirked. “That’s my lady.”
Lewis grimaced, a disgusted sneer on his face. “Ew, Cirrus.”
Vivienne shifted her eyes, ignoring Cirrus’ comment. “You look surprised, commander,” she taunted.
Thorne straightened his posture. “It’s important to be familiar with your crew’s skills,” he said in perfect Rückländish.
