83 Something to Talk Abou (2/2)
”Split evenly between the center, left, and right armies,” Connor added.
”Can we expect more reinforcements from the Scarlet Moon?” I asked. The thought of going against two armies was nerve-wracking.
Both boys shook their heads.
”That's all the resource the Scarlet Moon's willing to spare in this war. They've got other fights all over the continent to worry about,” Collin admitted.
”I saw the flag of the black Wand beside the banners of Dagger Spell,” I leaned back on my chair to reduce the strain from leaning for too long. ”Are you guys working under Ardeen Spellweaver?”
Both boys' eyes widened in surprise at my mentioning of the name.
”H-how do you—”
”—it's not hard to learn the name of the fairy who came to hunt me last night,” I interrupted Collin.
It was a while before either of them spoke, but Connor broke the uncomfortable silence with, ”After what you did the other night, I guess hunting you is a priority for the Magesong clan.”
I nodded appreciatively. It felt good to be recognized for my accomplishments. Even if it meant I had a bigger target on my back now.
”what can you tell me about him?” I asked.
”Serious guy… always brooding about something. But he's chatty too. Gives people pep talks a lot,” Connor revealed.
”He's brilliant,” Collin said, and he sounded like a fanboy when he said this. ”A tactician who gets things done.”
Collin eyed me curiously.
”Kind of like you, I guess…” he admitted in a grudging manner.
This wasn't the first time I was compared with this guy. I scowled because I didn't like it.
”Does he have any quirks? Weaknesses? Anything we can exploit?” I pressed.
This was the crucial part. If I could get a tactical advantage over my enemy, then I could help Thors plan out a strategy that could finally rid us of the Magesong center army. Unfortunately, neither of the brothers had any useful insights to share. It was quite the downer.
”But, um,” Connor began.
”Yeah? Go on?” I insisted.
”I'm not sure if this helps, but I noticed that he plays favorites,” Connor admitted. ”Whatever big move he makes, he always entrusts it to one group.”
”What group?” I leaned in. I couldn't help myself. There was something foreboding about Connor's information.
”The one that guy leads,” Connor said.
”That guy?” My throat felt dry all of a sudden, and I felt like dread was slowly creeping up my esophagus. ”Which guy?”
”One-Thousand Man Commander Azuma,” Connor revealed. ”The Unkillable Butcher of the Calmlands.”
I slumped back in my chair and let out a long breath that had been stuck in my throat since my anticipation started. I'd been wondering when I would hear that name again. I shivered in spite of myself, and it was a while later—after the numb feeling had gone away and the McCord brothers had given me enough weird stares—that an idea bloomed inside my head.
”You said he starts big moves whenever he uses Azuma, right?” I asked.
Connor nodded. ”We saw it happen enough last night.”
”What if Azuma was preoccupied,” I leaned in. The idea in my head growing with each second. ”Would that cripple Spellweaver? Maybe even prevent him from taking any major actions?”
”Maybe... not sure,” Connor guessed.
I wiped at the bead of sweat trickling down my forehead. ”Then we just have to keep Azuma busy, don't we?”
Despite the air-conditioned interior of the diner, I couldn't help but feel cold sweat down my back from just the thought of what I planned to do which was kind of like assisted suicide if I failed.
”What are you planning, Dean?” Collin asked curiously.
”We give Spellweaver what he wants,” I said. ”Looks like the Foolhardies will have to make another appearance on the battlefield... sooner rather than later.”
Both brothers gave me identical looks of confusion.
I glanced down at the table knife beside my plate. The silverware gleamed in reflected sunlight. I picked it up and gripped it tightly. ”It's time Azuma and I had our round two.”