“But the army to the east will be obliterated,” Valenna said.
“Once we make landfall on the beach,” Cadmus went on, ignoring her objection, “we will send in three dreadnoughts flying in line. The first will face heavy casualties, the second will come in and provide support, and the third will finish the job.”
Valenna held her breath. Whoever flew at the front was almost guaranteed to be either shot down or lose half their men, and captains were prime targets in battle.
“Everette, you will fly Dread Seven in first,” her father said.
Ryland Everette paled, but he nodded stoically.
“Manwester second. Bournemuth, you will come in third. Assuming your crew is ready.”
Haldir swallowed. “Yes, of course.”
Valenna let out her breath slowly, trying to hide her relief.
“And that brings me to the reason I brought Bournemuth and Trevelyan here today,” Cadmus said. “I need a small party to travel to Scathmore Barrens and scout its defenses.”
Haldir’s face washed a violent shade of puce. “Sir, with respect, the conscripts don’t …” He turned toward Evander, who was fixing him with a cutting look. “They don’t respect me.”
“Yes, so I’ve heard,” Cadmus said blandly. “I want you to take Dread Five and scout Scathmore. Via Barrimore Heights.”
Evander started, opened his mouth to speak, then shut it again. Apparently, he had remembered that he wasn’t supposed to know what lay in Barrimore Heights.
“I don’t doubt you’ll lose a soldier or two,” Cadmus said, turning to Evander. “And I know the conscripts would like to see you both with shotfire pellets in your hearts. So, return with Colonel Bournemuth alive, and you remain in the rear. If he does not survive this mission, you will trade places with Everette and take the front. Do you understand, Captain Trevelyan?”
“My crew won’t be ready to lead an invasion,” Evander objected.
“Then keep Bournemuth alive,” Cadmus said, smiling.
Evander nodded curtly, his jaw tensing.
The cruelty of it struck Valenna breathless, and she glanced at Evander in terror. He refused to return her gaze. But he was worried. She could tell from the set of his shoulders and the way he kept running his hand through his hair.
“Your Majesty,” Haldir said, his voice too high. “I’d like a detachment of soldiers for my protection …”
“No need. I’m sure Trevelyan will be motivated to keep you safe. He doesn’t want to die any more than you do.”
Curse Cadmus and his games,Valenna thought. She wasn’t letting Evander out of her sight again.
“I would like to go as well,” Valenna volunteered.
Evander let out a sharp breath and fixed his eyes on the ceiling.
“And why would you want to do that?” Cadmus asked.
“Father,” she said, “you want me to ride into a pivotal battle, and I haven’t been in combat in years. To put it lightly, I’m rusty. ”
Cadmus glanced around the room, reading the reactions of the other captains. “Trevelyan, what do you think?”
Haldir broke in, trying to exert authority. “I don’t think it’s wise.”
“I didn’t ask your opinion, Colonel.”
“The princess is an asset on any mission, I have no doubt,” Evander said coolly. “Even so, I don’t think it’s wise to risk her on the eve of battle.”
“Respectfully,” Valenna cut in, “this captain’s opinion is irrelevant. I want to go and test my powers. If he can’t manage with me there, then perhaps we should return him to Silvanlight.”
Evander’s mouth tightened, and he cast a look of vexation at Valenna. She smiled back, all innocence.
