He shrugged.I barely remember being there. I don’t have . . . visuals.
Is it silent there?
Yes.
How terrifying.
“Describe it for me,” I told Reyla.
“Sand.” Tears hitched down her cheeks. “Everywhere.”
“A wall,” Vexxion barked out. “I remember a wall.”
“It was too tall to climb. I walked forever, and I couldn’t find a way past it.” Reyla wiped her face. “I wanted to give up. I’m not sure why I didn’t.”
Vexxion walked over and eased her to her feet, putting his arms around her. “You’re never going back there again.”
She looked up at him. “I wish I could believe you. We’re barely holding on here. Once he attacks . . .”
“We’re not alone,” I said. “Zayde, can you notify Lord Dultrette that they’re gathering on Weldsbane’s southern border? The king has annexed the mainland portion of Lydel, and I doubt he expects resistance. Anything Lord Dultrette and his friends—ourfriends—can do to slow them down is welcome. We need more time to figure this out.”
Zayde dipped his head my way. “Consider it done.” He flitted from the room.
“Evergorne Court’s army will land on the southern shore soon.” I bit down on my lower lip as I decided what we needed to do next. “Airia?”
She straightened and nodded.
“Prepare the riders. We’ll meet them on the southern most part of mainland Lydel and keep the advancing army from surging across the sea to take what’s left of my court.”
“I’ll sound the alarm.” She hurried from the room.
Madrood?I called out, trying not to give into the panic slashing through me.
We’re ready, High Lady. Give the command, and we ride.
Warmth surged across my soul, and my eyes stung with tears.Airia’s sounding the alarm. Armed riders should be arriving soon. They’ll have provisions with them. Food. Extra weapons—
I know what you mean.
I explained what had happened.We need a strategy. We can’t fly right at them with our full force.
Dragons are never consulted about battle strategies,he said quite carefully.
Maybe they should be.I assume you’ve battled at one time or another.Maybe. He could’ve spent his entire life pinned to Ivenrail’s side, dispensing fire at the king’s command.
Madrood huffed.Despite the monster on Bledmire’s throne using me to burn whoever offended him, I was given full training. When I was younger, I even flew riders from one of the fortresses. I don’t enjoy burning people, though there are exceptions. I do, however, enjoy burning dregs.
We have no choice but to destroy them. I ask again. Do you have ideas?
He laid out a plan that brought a feral grin to my face.
I shared it with my friends, explaining where the idea came from.
Vexxion nodded. “I suspected that beast might have a suggestion or two. Wise of you to ask him.” The pride in his eyes made my heart surge up into my throat. I didn’t need anyone to prop me up and give me support to do this, but knowing he loved me and that he supported me meant everything.
Zayde flitted back into the room, breathing hard. “LordDultrette is gathering a formidable force.” He glanced Vexxion’s way. “I took the liberty of giving him permission to cross into Weldsbane. They’ll come at them from behind.”
“Perfect.” Vexxion flashed a rapid grin. “It’s all coming together.”
