That's what he thought. They knew, or at least had some idea, what they were up against.
Caden wasn't sure if that was because they had a hand in the cicadas' sudden appearance or had run up against them before.
Instinct indicated the former.
Eva had been right all those months ago after the incident with the Kyren. They'd won the battle but not the war. She hadn't been sure back then whether their opponent was mythological, one of themyien,or something else entirely.
Something new and dark, capable of amplifying talents already present in the human and mythological population.
Whatever the entity was, they'd already demonstrated their ability to persuade others to their cause. Particularly, those unhappy with Fallon's rule.
The normal reaction to going against such a powerful entity should have been fear. A Trateri should be no different.
Even if they hadn't felt fear, there should have been a little trepidation.
This wasn't exactly a foe made of flesh and blood, easily slain. It was something so far out of their realm of expertise that it wasn't even funny.
All Caden had to say to that was bring it on.
He bared his teeth in a savage grin at the coming confrontation. Finally, a worthy challenge.
And here he'd thought he'd have to allow others to take the lead in this hunt. It was kind of the entity to bring himself to Caden's territory.
"I wonder how long it'll take the swarm to consume you," Caden mused, still with that deranged smile. "Any guesses?"
Roscoe stroked his chin. "My money is on three hours."
Van scoffed. "Five at least. There are two of them after all."
Gawain shook his head. "You're forgetting they don't have as much meat as the red backs. I doubt they'll last even that long."
Caden nodded. "Good point. We'll have to think of a way to make it last longer. Wouldn't want their end to come too quick."
The prisoners' gazes flitted from one to the other before stopping on Fiona, silent until now.
"You can't let them do this," the second man begged.
Fiona's face was expressionless for a beat before a sudden smile brightened her features. "Smoke. We can use it to prolong their suffering."
The prisoner who'd spoken made a broken, inarticulate sound.
Roscoe leaned toward him. "If you're hoping to appeal to any feminine mercy, you're barking up the wrong tree. Trateri women are just like the men. Ruthless and driven."
Gawain made a sound. "Worse."
Roscoe shook his head at the prisoner. "Not to mention, your leaders are responsible for killing a precious friend of hers. Don't dirty her with your gaze. Otherwise, she'll pluck your eyeballs out."
Roscoe straightened, grabbed the prisoner's shoulders and force marched him in front. Drake did the same to his.
At a signal from Caden, Jane dropped out of the group, remaining behind to guard the tent in his absence.
"This won't work," a prisoner said desperately. "You said yourself the doedea won't go near the smoke."
"That's why you won't be staying in camp," Caden told him. To the rest, "Shall we?"
"About time. I've been waiting for this moment for ages," Van grumbled.
"How is someone as impatient as you a clan leader?" Gawain asked.
