Silas continues, “What I am about to say may never leave this house. If word of this leaks, I promise what will happen next will be worse than anything you can imagine.”
The table tenses, and I shudder at the thought of being on Silas’s bad side. I glance up at his face, and he meets my gaze. His piercing green eyes are hard, and I nod directly to him.
“For years, I have expected an attack on Andorwood. My dreams showed me many things, and they always ended in destruction. Briar knows the destruction I speak of.” Silas gives me a quick glance. “I also knew my father would never help if something arose.”
Oak and Maines watch Silas speak with intense focus. The others seem somewhat aware of what’s happening, but still give him the attention that the Prince of Darkness deserves. That makes sense, given that they’ve been with Silas in Andorwood all these years.
“Someone we know has been building an army behind Malachi’s back for nearly four years. With the news of the ship, I can only pray they are working behind the scenes to make sure their army is prepped for battle. They are tactile, deadly, and every bit of what makes people fear Andorwood. They may have recruited every man and woman willing to fight.”
“Women?” Maines asks, surprise lacing her tone.
Silas nods and says, "In Andorwood, and especially our army, everyone is free to fight if they choose. In my opinion, women should be feared more than men. My point is supported by the women who sit in this house right now.” He smiles. “If you all wish to fight, you have my blessing; if you choose not to, you will be greatly valued elsewhere.”
Oak chimes in to ask, “Who is raising this outside army?”
Silas smiles and shoots a look toward Warrick. “The Rebels.”
“Do you work with them?” I cut my gaze toward Silas.
“No,” he says. “Not yet.”
Warrick shifts in his chair.
Maines shoots me a concerned look, and I stand. “What sails toward us on the ship is unlike anything you all have witnessed. They are strong and large and do not fear death, as they have already been to the darkest realm and back. You will have to be quick and precise when killing them. They do not go down easily, but they each have a weak spot. You must find it and strike hard.”
“Briar is right,” Silas says, wrapping his hand around my waist. “That is why she will lead us on the day of the battle.”
Fenmore grins broadly, and I snap my gaze at Silas.
“That may not be smart,” I say.
“And why is that?” Warrick interjects.
“They won’t follow me.”
“They will. We all will,” Warrick reassures me. “You have a hold over people. Don’t doubt yourself.”
I gently smile in his direction.
Silas steps back in. “You’ve fought these creatures. You’re great at making plans, even if I’m not always in the loop,” Silas huffs. “And you’re strong. Stronger than all of us, and we will fight alongside you. You will lead Andorwood to victory, and you will win over the entire kingdom.”
I glance around the table, and the others nod approvingly—as if they’ve already discussed this many times. Anxiety fills my core, and I can’t help but wonder what my brother would think. His entire life was devoted to becoming a top army commander, and now, years later, I stand on the brink of battle, preparing to give my orders when the day comes. The salty sea breeze flows through my hair, and for just a second, I feel he’s with me, urging me to be brave and lead this kingdom to victory.
“Alright,” I start, glancing at Silas before scanning the table again. “First, we need a plan for those who choose not to fight and the children. We will need a way for them to escape if things go wrong.”
They all nod, and Fen speaks, “That’s something I can take over. I have a few contacts who can ensure a plan is in place to relocate those people to safety hours before the ship arrives. The children will go first with their family members who choose not to fight.” She nods confidently. “We can lead them toward the mountains, then I will join you to fight.”
I flash a soft smile in her direction. “Thank you, Fen.”
The room quiets again, so I continue.
“Next, we will need healers to assist with any of the injured or fallen." I look directly at Maines. “You will lead this operation.”
She smiles proudly.
“Silas will provide you with the names of every healer in the city who is willing to assist. Maines, you will be our top healer and ensure that everyone stays calm and focused.”
She nods and mouths, “Thank you.”
