Chapter 186: Life Or Death [5] (1/2)
”The city will be saved.”
The king said, looking at Chang Chang. He nodded, as if coming to a decision.
”Druya, Abron, Obarn—bring the weaponmaster, the warmaster, and the regency council here. We have a lot to talk about and little time to do it. I want our scouts recalled as soon as possible. Collect all their information, their best guesses as to the strength of the drow force and where they'll hit the city's defenses first.”
”They won't attack the doors. That much we know. They'll hit us at our weakest points along the wall and try to breach it.”
Obarn replied the king.
”That'll be perfect,”
King Lagarma said, nodding. He pointed at Chang Chang.
”Take yourself and your men to the library, but wait for me outside the doors. Do you hear? Don't go in to Gallazza unless I'm there with you. Whatever happens, I'll do what I can to protect you.”
”You're needed with your army. I can do this—”
Chang Chang protested.
”You forget you're arguing with a king, and a dragon. Didn't anyone ever teach you that that's not a wise thing to do? We do this my way or not at all, understand?”
King Laggarma said. His voice held a trace of humor, but his eyes were hard.
Chang Chang nodded and bowed.
”As you say, my king.”
Around her, the others bowed as well, and a chorus of ”my king” echoed in the vast hall.
Chang Chang waited with Ju Feng outside the library doors. Nerves tossed about in her stomach, making her fidget and pace, until finally Ju Feng drew her near him and held both of her hands in his. He reminded her.
”You don't have to do this. You can change your mind.”
”I'm not afraid for myself. But I spoke for both of us back there. I never asked if … if you could accept it, if the worst happened.”
Chang Chang said. She squeezed the hand of Ju Feng who looked at their joined hands and said firmly.
”My fate makes me confront the darkness, and it will make me encounter my death—the thing I most want to deny. That being said, we're going to do everything we can to make sure the worst doesn't happen with you. Do you have a plan?”
Chang Chang smiled bitterly at him.
”The plan is the Lochal. I think she knows where the sphere is, she just doesn't know that she knows.”
”Really?”
Ju Feng said in confusion.
”Just trust me.”
Chang Chang told him.
The door to the plaza opened, and king Laggarma and an escort of guards came down the hallway to meet them. King Laggarma's eyes gleamed with an eager light. Color suffused his face, and everything about his movements suggested new life. Ju Feng wondered how much of his energy was a mask he wore for his people's sake. They and she would likely never know what this cost him.
”Are you ready?”
The king asked aloud, pulling Ju Feng from his thoughts. He heard the voice of Chang Chang saying.
”I'm ready.”
Gallazza sat in his customary place by the fire when they entered. When he saw them, he stood, putting his back to the wall as if expecting an attack. Chang Chang ignored him and called to the empty air.
”Lochal?”
The dwarf woman appeared at her elbow, making Chang Chang jump.
”I am here.”
”I've come for the sphere.”
Chang Chang was aware of a palpable tension in the room as the others, even Gallazza, waited to hear the dwarf woman's reply.
”I do not know where the sphere is.”
The seneschal said sadly and continued. ”If I knew—”