“Yeah, all well and good, except he got himself jailed by that toad of a man.” One of the old generals scoffs.
“The fate of all Treland is at stake.” Avina interrupts before they dive down another rabbit hole. “We must free Prince Sigvid and then lure the troops to the Holy Triangle, the center point of the country, to keep Toftlund safe. There, we must stop Thrain and my father. We cannot allow them to seize control of the country.”
General Tyo nods. “We move on your command, my Queen.”
“Good.” Kar stands, cracking his neck. “Now, for the next phase of the plan.”
The Timber Army is left to establish camp while Tyo, Elsrith, and forty Timber soldiers ride with an invisible Avina back toward Toftlund.The Drengr, under Kar and Slode, are instructed to remain out of sight for her plan to work.
A prospect that has her excited and on edge.
As they approach the main gates of Toftlund, the poor lookout turns pale at the sudden appearance of Timber troops. They ride until they are close enough that Tyo’s bellow will reach the sentries, yet far enough from Thrain’s unstable archers.
“Oi! You there! We require an audience with King Thrain Thordsson.” General Tyo raises a thick brow at the sentinels.
The group collectively stumbles about along the ramparts to warn their king of the sudden appearance of the small force assembled.
“Nervous little things, are they not?” Elsrith chuckles.
Avina suspects Thrain recalled the Salt Army away for training as they search for a new Commander. She also wonders how many will dissent to their side once Sigvid is free.
Finally, the sound of the chains along the gate draws their attention—Thrain, Gunter, and a small battalion ride out to meet the Timber warriors. Avina hears Elsrith snort when the flag bearer nearly drops the Nautilus banner.
“Thrain appears awfully cocky for someone about to confront the might of the Timber army.” Elsrith quips to a chorus of laughter
When the Salt warriors stop, Thrain leans over his horse's neck with a charming smile. “A bit far from Scarwood, General Tyo. After my brother was captured and sent to the Arena, I thought to be done with you miserable bastards. All the same, what can I do for Timber?”
Tyo unfurls a scroll. “By order of the Council of Timber, Generals of the Great Forest, and good people of the wooded Province, King Thrain Thordsson of Salt is hereby placed on notice. You have exactly one week to release the beloved Queen Avina Redwood Bloodstone back to Timber, or the Great Army will launch an attack on Toftlund City.”
Thrain sneers. “Your Great Army slimmed after the war with Rendel, General Tyo. The Grand Champion of the Arena trained my men.”
Avina grinds her teeth.How dare he use Sigvid’s prowess as a scare tactic.
Tyo’s face cools as he snaps his thumb and forefinger together, and two of his men drag a Salt scout to Thrain.
“Your warrior will surely be eager to relay that the entire Timber Army camps due north of the city. We will move closer over several sun shifts, encircling your city.” Tyo adds to Thrain’s visible fury.
“Your Queen was brought to my city by my brother, who I have since imprisoned for his crimes. As my fiancé, I expect her to be brought straight to me.” Thrain hisses.
Elsrith cackles. “You mean to say you have lost Her Majesty? How did you manage that?”
Thrain’s face tinges purple. “Your superiority complex is not welcome, Elsie. I have every available man searching for Queen Avina as we speak.”
His last comment causes everyone around Avina to whoop with laughter. She presses her lips together to prevent herself from joining in.
Thrain violently gestures for his men to follow him inside, determined to understand what is happening.
She knows he isn’t dumb enough to believe Timber came of their own fruition. Likely, his next plan will be to lure her out.
She releases the invisibility upon herself as they trot back toward the encampment.
“I never liked him the few times I met him. Something is unnerving about his face,” Elsrith asserts in unanimous agreement.
If only the General knew the truth of her statement.
Avina takes her leave toward the cabin. Tomorrow, they will save their Lord Commander.
When Avina emerges onto the hunting cabin's deck, owls hoot in the trees overhead. Sitting on the deck always comforts her despite the frigid winter chill.
