Different.
But then, I’d not be here right now.
Andhereis where I’m meant to be.
31
Willow’s aunt and uncle.
More unvetted strangers.
The soldier in me is unhappy, but my gryphon seems…unbothered?
Strange.
“Alexis, can you go through the details for next weekend?”
Theo looks at me with trust and belief in my abilities. I pray that I can live up to that because, Gods help us, I’ve less than seven days to change this crew into an organized task force.
I step into the center of the circle, letting the analytical mind of my Gryphon take equal control of my thoughts.
Before me are seven potential assets for the operation. I cannot look at them as friends or lovers.
They are assets.
Or liabilities if I do not plan correctly.
“I’ve narrowed down the locale of the facility to two possible places. Both are in the Windward National Forest.” I tap on the chalk map. “We need to get there, find the facility, observe the security, then retreat and plan strategy based on what we find.” I look at Drakeward. “The spell you told me about,OccultaApparentia,will be essential if dark energy has been used to conceal the place.”
I look at Max and Dono. “Both of you also need to practice what you learned from Gimble. It’s going to take more than brute strength to make us successful.”
Duncan raises a hand. “Um, not that I’m not willing, but am I coming with?”
“No. I was hoping you would stay here and keep us apprised of anything new happening around the building site and within the school,” I tell him, noting the look of relief on his face. “It’s unfortunate you won’t be able to get into the Elite sickbay to check on Wes, but this may be where Naomi Watson comes into play. What do you think,pulu?”
Theo nods immediately. “Good idea.”
“I’d like you to come, Willow. But you’ll stay back from the action and wait to help us with the children if we’re successful.”
“Absolutely, do you want me to sound out my aunt?”
“No. It’s not safe. We may have to just go there unannounced. So, Friday morning we leave, while the rest of the students empty out of the academy and head home. Once we reach Windward Forest, we’ll set up a base. There are several empty hunting cabins in the area which are currently for sale. I’ve marked one which will be our base.”
I see Theo open her mouth to speak, and indicate for her to go forward. “I’m hoping you guys will be able to shift. That will give us a huge advantage.”
“Agreed, but we can’t count on it.”
“We’ll drive up in three teams. Willow and Max in the box-van, Drakeward and Donovan will be in the Range Rover, with Ludo hidden. Theo and I in a third vehicle. Though what that will be, I’m not sure yet.”
“I’ll just buy another SUV,” Cosmo drawls, bringing out his cell. “Make? Model?”
Rich prick. “Anything fast and reliable.” I look around the room at the young, concerned faces staring back at me.
“Now, as for weapons, we have magic, we have our beasts…”
“...if we can shift,” Drakeward grumbles.
“Me, Dono and Lu have all shifted in this realm,” Max points out.
